UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 6, 2025
Firefly Aerospace Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 001-42789 | 81-5194980 | ||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| 1320 Arrow Point Drive, #109 | ||
| Cedar Park, Texas | 78613 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (512) 893-5570
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class |
Trading |
Name of each exchange |
||
| Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share | FLY | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☒
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
| Item 1.01 | Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
Underwriting Agreement
On August 6, 2025, Firefly Aerospace Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P Morgan Securities LLC, Jefferies LLC and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (collectively, the “Underwriters”), relating to the initial public offering (the “IPO”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”). The Underwriting Agreement provides for the offer and sale by the Company of 19,296,000 shares of Common Stock (the “Firm Shares”) at a public offering price of $45.00 per share. Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company granted the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,894,400 shares of Common Stock (the “Option Shares”). On August 7, 2025, the Underwriters exercised such option to purchase additional shares in full. The purchase price payable by the Underwriters for the Firm Shares and the Option Shares is $42.4125 per share.
The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, agreements and obligations, closing conditions and termination provisions. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against (or contribute to the payment of) certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
On August 8, 2025, the IPO closed and the Firm Shares and the Option Shares were delivered. The material terms of the IPO are described in the prospectus, dated August 6, 2025 (the “Prospectus”), filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on August 8, 2025, pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act. The IPO is registered with the Commission pursuant to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-288646) and the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1MEF (File No. 333-289335) which was declared effective immediately upon filing on August 6, 2025.
The foregoing summary description of the Underwriting Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, reference to the copy of the Underwriting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01. In addition, for a summary description of relationships between the Company and the Underwriters, see the “Underwriting” section in the Prospectus.
New Credit Agreement
On August 8, 2025, the Company entered into a new revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) by and among the Company, the banks party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. The Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) that is guaranteed by certain of the Company’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and the assets of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, in each case, subject to customary exceptions, and includes a sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit in an amount up to $15.0 million and a sublimit for swingline loans in an amount up to $7.5 million.
The Revolving Credit Facility will mature on August 8, 2028. The loans under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate per annum equal to, at the Company’s option, either (a) term SOFR plus a 3.00% spread or (b) alternative base rate (as set forth in the Credit Agreement) plus a 2.00% spread. A commitment fee of 0.375% per annum shall apply on the unused commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the Company’s ability and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries’ abilities, to (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens; (iii) make certain investments, loans and advances; (iv) sell assets; (v) pay dividends or make distributions or make other restricted payments; (vi) voluntarily prepay certain other indebtedness; (vii) engage in mergers or consolidations; (viii) change the business we and certain of our subsidiaries conduct; (ix) engage in certain transactions with affiliates; (x) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries; and (xi) amend certain charter documents and material agreements governing subordinated and junior indebtedness.
In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with the following financial covenants (subject to certain equity cure rights):
| • | Maintenance of minimum liquidity of $50.0 million, tested as of the last day of each fiscal quarter (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025). |
| • | Maintenance of a minimum of free cash flow of negative $325.0 million (subject to increasing thresholds) tested as of the last day of each fiscal quarter (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2025). |
| • | At the Company’s election, and upon the Company achieving positive consolidated EBITDA (as calculated under the Credit Agreement) (a “Leverage Covenant Triggering Event”), the minimum liquidity covenant and the minimum free cash flow covenant will no longer be applicable, and the Company’s sole financial covenant following a Leverage Covenant Triggering Event will be maintenance of a maximum first lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 4.00:1.00, tested as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. |
The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including, among others: (i) failure to pay principal, interest, fees or other amounts under the Revolving Credit Facility when due taking into account any applicable grace period; (ii) any representation or warranty proving to have been incorrect in any material respect when made; (iii) failure to perform or observe covenants or other terms of the Revolving Credit Facility subject to certain grace periods; (iv) a cross default with respect to other material indebtedness; (v) bankruptcy and insolvency events; (vi) a “change of control” and (vii) the invalidity or impairment of any loan document or any security interest.
The foregoing description of the Credit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, reference to the full text of the Credit Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.
On August 8, 2025, the Company also terminated the Second Amended and Restated Financing Agreement among the Company, various lenders and U.S. Bank Trust Company, N.A. in its capacity as collateral agent for the lenders, dated May 20, 2024, as amended by the First Amendment to and Waiver Under Second Amended and Restated Financing Agreement, dated as of August 13, 2024, and as further amended, modified and amended and restated from time to time.
The Company has previously entered into commercial financial arrangements with certain of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility, and each of these entities and/or their affiliates has in the past provided financial, advisory, investment banking and other services to the Company and its affiliates, including serving (1) as a lead arranger and/or representative for the underwriters for Company’s IPO in the United States and (2) as a lender and/or in other related capacities in connection with the Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement.
Registration Rights Agreement
In connection with the IPO, on August 8, 2025, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with certain holders of its common stock (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) to amend and restate in its entirety, the Sixth Amended and Restated Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated October 31, 2024, pursuant to which, among other things, certain holders of its common stock are entitled to demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to the registration of their shares. With the exception of underwriting discounts, commissions, and certain other expenses, the Company will pay all expenses related to any demand or piggyback registration, subject to reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel selected by the Majority Participating Investors (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).
Demand Registration Rights. At any time and from time to time, the Sponsor Investors (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) and/or, at any time after May 5, 2026, Astera Institute or its transferees (“Astera”), may request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their registrable securities on Form S-1 or any similar long-form registration statement (“Long-Form Registrations”) or on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration statement (“Short-Form Registrations”), if available (any such requested registration, a “Demand Registration”).
The Sponsor Investors will be entitled to request an unlimited number of Demand Registrations and Astera will be entitled to request not more than two (2) Long-Form Registrations and an unlimited amount of Short-Form Registrations; provided that the anticipated aggregate offering value of the registrable securities requested to be registered in any (a) Long-Form Registration must equal at least $15,000,000 and (b) Short-Form Registration must equal at last $5,000,000.
Piggyback Registration Rights. Further, under the Registration Rights Agreement, subject to certain specified exceptions, if the Company proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act, the holders of shares having registration rights are entitled to notice and certain registration rights allowing them to include their shares in the Company’s piggyback registration.
The foregoing description of the Registration Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, reference to the Registration Rights Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01. In addition, for a summary description of material relationships between the Company and the stockholders party to the Registration Rights Agreement, see the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Director Nomination Agreement
In connection with the IPO, on August 6, 2025, the Company entered into a Director Nomination Agreement with certain stockholders (the “Director Nomination Agreement”). A summary description of the Director Nomination Agreement is contained in the Prospectus under the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with our Significant Stockholders—Director Nomination Agreement” and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Director Nomination Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01. In addition, for a summary description of material relationships between the Company and the stockholders party to the Director Nomination Agreement, see the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the Prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement
In connection with the IPO, on August 8, 2025, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with AE Industrial Operating Partners, LLC (“AE Operating”), an affiliate of one of our principal stockholders. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, the Company will pay AE Operating an annual fee of approximately $2.4 million for consulting and advisory services until the earlier of: (i) August 8, 2027, or (ii) the time AE Industrial Partners, LP beneficially owns less than 10% of our outstanding common stock. Such summary description does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, reference to the copy of the Consulting Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.
| Item 2.03 | Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. |
The information set forth under “New Credit Agreement” in Item 1.01 is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.
| Item 3.03 | Material Modifications to Rights of Security Holders. |
The information provided under this Item 5.03 is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.
| Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
On August 8, 2025, Pamela Braden, Kevin McAllister, Jon Lusczakoski and Ryan Boland were appointed to the Company’s board of directors. Information regarding biographical information, the committees upon which these directors are expected to serve, related party transactions involving any of these directors and the compensation plans in which such directors participate was previously reported (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) in the Prospectus.
On or around August 8, 2025, in connection with the IPO, the Company entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and executive officers. These agreements provide the Company’s directors and executive officers with contractual rights to indemnification, expense advancement and reimbursement, to the fullest extent permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law. These indemnification rights are not exclusive of any other right that an indemnified person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws (each as defined below), any agreement, or vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. The foregoing summary description of the indemnification agreements does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of indemnification agreement included herewith as Exhibit 10.5, which is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.
Also in connection with the IPO, on August 8, 2025, the Company adopted the Firefly Aerospace Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) and the Firefly Aerospace Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). A summary description of the Omnibus Plan and the ESPP is contained in the Prospectus under the section titled “Executive Compensation—Actions Taken in Connection with this Offering” and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the Omnibus Plan attached hereto as Exhibit 10.6 and the copy of the ESPP attached hereto as Exhibit 10.7, both of which are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.
| Item 5.03 | Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year. |
On August 8, 2025, the Company filed an amended and restated certificate of incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and adopted amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”), each of which became effective on August 8, 2025. A summary description of the Certificate of Incorporation and the Bylaws is contained in the Prospectus under the section titled “Description of Capital Stock” and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary description does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the Certificate of Incorporation attached hereto as Exhibit 3.1 and the copy of the Bylaws attached hereto as Exhibit 3.2, both of which are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.
| Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC. | ||||||
| Date: August 8, 2025 | By: | /s/ Jason Kim |
||||
| Jason Kim | ||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||||||
Exhibit 1.1
Firefly Aerospace Inc.
Common Stock, Par Value $0.0001 Per Share
Underwriting Agreement
August 6, 2025
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC,
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Jefferies LLC Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
As representatives (the “Representatives”) of the several Underwriters
named in Schedule I hereto,
c/o Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
200 West Street, New York,
New York 10282-2198
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
c/o Jefferies LLC
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
c/o Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
500 West 33rd Street, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10001
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes, subject to the terms and conditions stated in this agreement (this “Agreement”), to issue and sell to the Underwriters named in Schedule I hereto (the “Underwriters”) an aggregate of 19,296,000 shares (the “Firm Shares”) and, at the election of the Underwriters, up to 2,894,400 additional shares (the “Optional Shares”) of common stock, par value $0.0001 (“Stock”) of the Company (the Firm Shares and the Optional Shares that the Underwriters elect to purchase pursuant to Section 2 hereof being collectively called the “Shares”).
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (the “Directed Share Underwriter”) has agreed to reserve up to 578,497 shares of the Shares to be purchased by it under this Agreement for sale at the direction of the Company to certain parties related to the Company (collectively, “Participants”). The Shares to be sold by the Directed Share Underwriter pursuant to the Directed Share Program are hereinafter called the “Directed Shares.” Any Directed Shares not confirmed for purchase by the deadline established therefor by the Directed Share Underwriter in consultation with the Company will be offered to the public by the Underwriters as set forth in the Prospectus.
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1. The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:
(a) A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-288646) (the “Initial Registration Statement”) in respect of the Shares has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”); the Initial Registration Statement and any post effective amendment thereto, each in the form heretofore delivered to you, have been declared effective by the Commission in such form; other than a registration statement, if any, increasing the size of the offering (a “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement”), filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”), which became effective upon filing, no other document with respect to the Initial Registration Statement has been filed with the Commission; and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Initial Registration Statement, any post-effective amendment thereto or the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, has been issued and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Act has been initiated or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission (any preliminary prospectus included in the Initial Registration Statement or filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(a) of the rules and regulations of the Commission under the Act is hereinafter called a “Preliminary Prospectus”; the various parts of the Initial Registration Statement and the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, including all exhibits thereto and including the information contained in the form of final prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof and deemed by virtue of Rule 430A under the Act to be part of the Initial Registration Statement at the time it was declared effective, each as amended at the time such part of the Initial Registration Statement became effective or such part of the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, if any, became or hereafter becomes effective, are hereinafter collectively called the “Registration Statement”; the Preliminary Prospectus relating to the Shares that was included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the Applicable Time (as defined in Section 1(c) hereof) is hereinafter called the “Pricing Prospectus”; and such final prospectus, in the form first filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act, is hereinafter called the “Prospectus”; any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on Section 5(d) of the Act or Rule 163B under the Act is hereinafter called a “Testing-the-Waters Communication”; and any Testing-the-Waters Communication that is a written communication within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Act is hereinafter called a “Written Testing-the-Waters Communication”; and any “issuer free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 433 under the Act relating to the Shares is hereinafter called an “Issuer Free Writing Prospectus”);
(b) (A) No order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus has been issued by the Commission, and (B) each Preliminary Prospectus, at the time of filing thereof, conformed in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and did not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information (as defined in Section 9(b) of this Agreement);
(c) For the purposes of this Agreement, the “Applicable Time” is 4:45 p.m. (Eastern time) on the date of this Agreement.
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The Pricing Prospectus, as supplemented by the information listed on Schedule II(c) hereto, taken together (collectively, the “Pricing Disclosure Package”), as of the Applicable Time, did not, and as of each Time of Delivery (as defined in Section 4(a) of this Agreement) will not, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and each Written Testing-the-Waters Communication does not conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus and each Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and each Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, as supplemented by and taken together with the Pricing Disclosure Package, as of the Applicable Time, did not , and as of each Time of Delivery will not, include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information;
(d) No documents were filed with the Commission since the Commission’s close of business on the business day immediately prior to the date of this Agreement and prior to the execution of this Agreement, except as set forth on Schedule II(b) hereto;
(e) The Registration Statement conforms, and the Prospectus and any further amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus will conform, in all material respects to the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and do not and will not, as of the applicable effective date as to each part of the Registration Statement, as of the applicable filing date as to the Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto, and as of each Time of Delivery, contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information;
(f) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has, since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Pricing Prospectus, (i) sustained any material loss or interference with its business, from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree or (ii) entered into any transaction or agreement (whether or not in the ordinary course of business) that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, that is material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole, in each case otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus; and, since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Prospectus, there has not been (x) any change in the capital stock (other than as a result of (i) the exercise, vesting or settlement (including any “net” or “cashless” exercises or settlements), if any, of stock options, restricted stock units, incentive units or other equity awards or the award, if any, of stock options, restricted stock units, incentive units or other equity awards in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the Company’s equity plans that are described in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus or (ii) the issuance, if any, of stock upon the exercise or conversion of Company securities as described in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus) or, except as disclosed in or contemplated by the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, long term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (y) any Material Adverse Effect (as defined below); as used in this Agreement, “Material Adverse Effect” shall mean any material adverse change or effect, or any development involving a prospective material adverse change or effect, in or affecting (i) the business, properties, general affairs, management, financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, or (ii) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, including the issuance and sale of the Shares, or to consummate the transactions contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus; (g) The Company and its subsidiaries have good and marketable title in fee simple to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property owned by them, in each case free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and defects except (i) such as are described the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus or (ii) such as do not materially affect the value of such property and do not interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property; and any real property and buildings held under lease by the Company and its subsidiaries are held by them under valid, subsisting and enforceable leases with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and buildings by the Company and its subsidiaries;
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(h) Each of the Company and each of its subsidiaries has been (i) duly organized and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, with power and authority (corporate and other) to own its properties and conduct its business as described in the Pricing Prospectus, and (ii) duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases properties or conducts any business so as to require such qualification, except, in the case of this clause (ii), where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, and each subsidiary of the Company has been listed in the Registration Statement;
(i) The Company and its subsidiaries (a) are in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules, regulations, requirements, decisions, judgments, decrees, orders and the common law relating to pollution or the protection of the environment, natural resources or human health or safety, including those relating to the generation, storage, treatment, use, handling, transportation, release or threat of release of hazardous materials (collectively, “Environmental Laws”), (b) have received and are in compliance with all permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations or approvals required of them under applicable Environmental Laws, (c) have not received notice of any actual or potential liability under or relating to, or actual or potential violation of, any Environmental Laws, (d) are not conducting or paying for, in whole or in part, any investigation, remediation or other corrective action pursuant to any Environmental Law at any location, and (e) are not a party to any order, decree or agreement that imposes any obligation or liability under any Environmental Law each of (a)-(e) above, for any such matter, as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) except as described in the Registration Statement and the Preliminary Prospectus, (a) there are no proceedings that are pending, or that are known to be contemplated, against the Company or any of its subsidiaries under any Environmental Laws in which a governmental entity is also a party, other than such proceedings regarding which it is reasonably believed no monetary sanctions of $300,000 or more will be imposed, (b) the Company and its subsidiaries are not aware of any facts or issues regarding compliance with Environmental Laws, or liabilities or other obligations under Environmental Laws, that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company and its subsidiaries, and (c) none of the Company and its subsidiaries anticipates material capital expenditures relating to any Environmental Laws; (j) The Company has an authorized capitalization as set forth in the Pricing Prospectus and all of the issued shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and conform, in all material respects, to the description of the Stock contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and Prospectus; and all of the issued shares of capital stock of each subsidiary of the Company have been duly and validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and non-assessable and (except, in the case of any foreign subsidiary, for directors’ qualifying shares) are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances, equities or claims, except as otherwise disclosed in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus;
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(k) The unissued Shares to be issued and sold by the Company to the Underwriters hereunder have been duly and validly authorized and, when issued and delivered against payment therefor as provided herein, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and non assessable and will conform, in all material respects, to the description of the Stock contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus; and the issuance of the Shares is not subject to any preemptive or similar rights;
(l) The issue and sale of the Shares and the compliance by the Company with this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and the Pricing Prospectus will not conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, (A) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement or other agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is subject, (B) the certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other applicable organizational document) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or (C) any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties; except, in the case of clauses (A) and (C) for such defaults, breaches, or violations that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect, and no consent, approval, authorization, order, registration or qualification of or with any such court or governmental agency or body is required for the issue and sale of the Shares or the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the offering of the Directed Shares in any jurisdiction where the Directed Shares are being offered, except such as have been obtained under the Act, the approval by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) of the underwriting terms and arrangements and such consents, approvals, authorizations, registrations or qualifications as may be required under state securities or Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and distribution of the Shares by the Underwriters;
(m) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is (i) in violation of its certificate of incorporation or by-laws (or other applicable organizational document), (ii) in violation of any statute or any judgment, order, rule or regulation of any court or governmental agency or body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties, or (iii) in default in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan agreement, lease or other agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be bound, except, in the case of the foregoing clauses (ii) and (iii), for such defaults as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(n) The statements set forth in the Pricing Prospectus and Prospectus under the caption “Description of Capital Stock”, insofar as they purport to constitute a summary of the terms of the Stock, under the caption “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S.
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Holders”, and under the caption “Underwriting”, insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws and documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects; (o) The Company and its subsidiaries have paid all federal, state and local taxes and filed all tax returns required to be paid or filed through the date hereof, except with respect to any taxes for which extensions of time to file have been timely filed and for taxes that are currently being contested in good faith and with respect to which appropriate reserves have been made in accordance with GAAP, or as would not have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; and except as otherwise disclosed in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, there is no tax deficiency that has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, asserted against the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets, except for tax deficiencies that would not have a Material Adverse Effect;
(p) Other than as set forth in the Pricing Prospectus, there are no legal, governmental or regulatory investigations, actions, demands, claims, suits, arbitrations, inquiries or proceedings (“Actions”) pending to which the Company or any of its subsidiaries or, to the Company’s knowledge, any officer or director of the Company, is a party or of which any property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or, to the Company’s knowledge, any officer or director of the Company, is the subject which, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries (or such officer or director), would individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and, to the Company’s knowledge, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or others; there are no current or pending Actions that are required under the Act to be described in the Registration Statement or the Pricing Prospectus that are not so described therein; and there are no statutes, regulations or contracts or other documents that are required under the Act to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus that are not so filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement or described in the Registration Statement and the Pricing Prospectus;
(q) The Company is not and, after giving effect to the offering and sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds thereof, will not be an “investment company”, as such term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”);
(r) At the time of filing the Initial Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the earliest time thereafter that the Company or any offering participant made a bona fide offer (within the meaning of Rule 164(h)(2) under the Act) of the Shares, and at the date hereof, the Company was not and is not an “ineligible issuer,” as defined under Rule 405 under the Act;
(s) Grant Thornton LLP, who have certified certain financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, are independent public accountants as required by the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder;
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(t) The Company maintains a system of internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that (i) complies with the requirements of the Exchange Act, (ii) has been designed by the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or under their supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and (iii) is sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain accountability for assets, (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and except as disclosed in the Pricing Prospectus, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective and the Company is not aware of any material weaknesses in its internal control over financial reporting;
(u) Since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Pricing Prospectus, there has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting;
(v) The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that comply with the requirements of the Exchange Act; such disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and its subsidiaries is made known to the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer by others within those entities; and such disclosure controls and procedures are effective;
(w) This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company;
(x) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor any director or officer thereof, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any agent, affiliate or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has (i) made, offered, promised or authorized any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense (or taken any act in furtherance thereof); (ii) made, offered, promised or authorized any direct or indirect unlawful payment; or (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or the rules and regulations thereunder, the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom or any other applicable anti-corruption, anti-bribery or related law, statute or regulation (collectively, “Anti-Corruption Laws”); the Company and its subsidiaries have conducted their businesses in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and have instituted and maintained and will continue to maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance with such laws and with the representations and warranties contained herein; neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries will use, directly or indirectly, the proceeds of the offering in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any person in violation of Anti-Corruption Laws;
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(y) The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with the requirements of applicable anti-money laundering laws, including, but not limited to, the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended by the USA PATRIOT ACT of 2001, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the anti-money laundering laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Company and its subsidiaries conduct business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulation or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened; (z) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor any director, officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is (i) currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Government, including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”), or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person,” the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury, the United Nations Security Council, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), (ii) located, organized, or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or target of Sanctions (including, but not limited to, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, or any other Covered Region of Ukraine identified pursuant to Executive Order 14065, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria) (a “Sanctioned Jurisdiction”), and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Shares hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of or business with any person, or in any country or territory, that, at the time of such funding, is the subject or the target of Sanctions or (ii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions; neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is engaged in, or has, at any time since April 24, 2019, engaged in, any dealings or transactions with or involving any individual or entity that was or is, as applicable, at the time of such dealing or transaction, the subject or target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Jurisdiction; the Company and its subsidiaries have instituted, and maintain, policies and procedures designed to promote and achieve continued compliance with Sanctions;
(aa) The financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, together with the related schedules and notes, present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries at the dates indicated and the statement of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company and its subsidiaries for the periods specified; said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. The supporting schedules, if any, present fairly in all material respects and in accordance with GAAP, the information required to be stated therein. The selected financial data and the summary financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly in all material respects the information shown therein and have been compiled on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements included therein. Except as included therein, no historical or pro forma financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus under the Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
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All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus regarding “non-GAAP financial measures” (as such term is defined by the rules and regulations of the Commission) comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Act, to the extent applicable; (bb) The Company and each of its subsidiaries (i) own or otherwise possess valid and enforceable rights to use all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights and registrations and applications thereof, licenses, know-how, software, systems and technology (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems and procedures) and all other similar intellectual property and proprietary rights (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) used in or necessary for the conduct of their respective businesses, (ii) do not, through the conduct of their respective businesses, infringe, misappropriate, or otherwise violate or conflict with, and have not in the past six years infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated or conflicted with, any Intellectual Property of any third party, and (iii) have not received any written notice and are not otherwise aware of any pending or threatened claim of infringement, misappropriation, violation of or other conflict with any Intellectual Property of any third party by the Company and its subsidiaries or challenging the validity, enforceability, scope or ownership of any Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries. No material Intellectual Property owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and, to the knowledge of the Company, no material Intellectual Property exclusively licensed to the Company and its subsidiaries has been infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated by any person. All Intellectual Property owned by the Company and its subsidiaries, and, to the knowledge of the Company, all Intellectual Property licensed to the Company and its subsidiaries, is valid and enforceable. The Company and its subsidiaries take reasonable steps in accordance with normal industry practice to maintain the confidentiality of all Intellectual Property, the value of which to the Company or any of its subsidiaries is contingent upon maintaining the confidentiality thereof;
(cc) The Company and its subsidiaries’ information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) are adequate for, and operate and perform as required in connection with, the operation of the business of the Company and its subsidiaries as currently conducted, free and clear of all Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other malicious corruptants. The Company and its subsidiaries have implemented and maintain commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards designed to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data stored thereon or transmitted or otherwise processed thereby (including the data of their respective customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third-party data maintained by or on behalf of the Company and its subsidiaries and all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data (collectively, “Data”)) used in connection with their businesses, and there have been no material breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to the IT Systems or Data, nor any incidents under internal Company review or internal Company investigations relating to the same;
(dd) The Company and its subsidiaries have complied, and are presently in compliance, in all material respects with all applicable laws or statutes and all applicable judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal and external policies of the Company and its subsidiaries, and, to the extent to which the Company and its subsidiaries are bound in writing, industry standards and contractual obligations, in each case, to the extent relating to (i) the privacy and security of the IT Systems and Data, (ii) the protection of such IT Systems and Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification and (iii) the collection, use, transfer, import, export, storage, protection, disposal, disclosure and other processing of Data (collectively, “Data Security Obligations”). Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received in writing any notification of or complaint regarding, or are aware of any other facts that, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably indicate the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation. There is no pending, or to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body and against the Company and its subsidiaries pending or threatened alleging the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ non-compliance with any Data Security Obligation; (ee) No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act) included or incorporated by reference in any of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith;
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(ff) Nothing has come to the attention of the Company that has caused the Company to believe that the statistical and market-related data included in each of the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects;
(gg) There is and has been no failure on the part of the Company or any of the Company’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, to comply with any provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), including Section 402 related to loans;
(hh) Neither the Company nor any of its controlled affiliates has taken or will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that could reasonably be expected to cause or result in the stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of the Company or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the offering of the Shares;
(ii) The Company and each of its subsidiaries have such permits, licenses, approvals, consents, franchises, certificates of need and other approvals or authorizations of governmental or regulatory authorities (“Permits”) as are necessary under applicable law to own their respective properties and conduct their respective businesses in the manner described in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, except for any of the foregoing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received written notice of any proceedings related to the revocation or modification of any such Permits that, individually or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(jj) The Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, are insured against such losses and risks and in such amounts as are prudent and customary in the businesses in which they are engaged and as required by law;
(kk) The Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses and any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication comply in all material respects, and any further amendments or supplements thereto will comply in all material respects, with any applicable laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Pricing Disclosure Package, the Prospectus, any Preliminary Prospectus, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, as amended or supplemented, if applicable, are distributed in connection with the Directed Share Program;
(ll) No authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration or qualification of or with any government, governmental instrumentality or court, other than such as have been obtained, is necessary under the securities laws and regulations of foreign jurisdictions in which the Directed Shares are offered outside the United States; (mm) The Company has specifically directed in writing the allocation of Shares to each Participant in the Directed Share Program, and neither the Directed Share Underwriter nor any other Underwriter has had any involvement or influence, directly or indirectly, in such allocation decision;
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(nn) The Company has not offered, or caused the Directed Share Underwriter or its affiliates to offer, Shares to any person pursuant to the Directed Share Program (i) for any consideration other than the cash payment of the initial public offering price per share set forth in Schedule II hereof or (ii) with the specific intent to unlawfully influence (x) a customer or supplier of the Company to alter the customer or supplier’s terms, level or type of business with the Company or (y) a trade journalist or publication to write or publish favorable information about the Company or its products;
(oo) From the time of initial confidential submission of a registration statement relating to the Shares with the Commission through the date hereof, the Company has been and is treated as an “emerging growth company” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Act (an “Emerging Growth Company”);
(pp) The Company and its subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations or other requirements of the United States Federal Aviation Administration and similar aviation regulatory bodies (collectively, “Aviation Laws”), and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has received any notice of a failure to comply with applicable Aviation Law, except for any failures to comply that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect;
(qq) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a “covered foreign person” as that term is used in the Outbound Investment Rules. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries currently engages, or has any present intention to engage in the future, directly or indirectly, in (i) a “covered activity” or a “covered transaction”, as each such term is defined in the Outbound Investment Rules, (ii) any activity or transaction that would constitute a “covered activity” or a “covered transaction”, as each such term is defined in the Outbound Investment Rules, if the Company were a U.S. Person or (iii) any other activity that would cause the Underwriters to be in violation of the Outbound Investment Rules or cause the Underwriters to be legally prohibited by the Outbound Investment Rules from performing under this Agreement. For the purpose of this Agreement, “Outbound Investment Rules” means the regulations administered and enforced, together with any related public guidance issued, by the United States Treasury Department under U.S. Executive Order 14105 of August 9, 2023, or any similar law or regulation as of the date of this Agreement, and as codified at 31 C.F.R. §850.202 et seq.;
(rr) The Company is in material compliance with the terms of, all adequate certificates, authorizations, franchises, licenses and permits (“Licenses”) necessary to the conduct of the business now conducted or proposed in the Pricing Disclosure Package to be conducted by them, except where failure of such possession or compliance would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and have not received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of any Licenses that would individually or in the aggregate be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
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(ss) No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is imminent that would reasonably be expected have a Material Adverse Effect; and (tt) The holders of substantially all shares of Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Stock that have not delivered executed lock-up agreements (as described in Section 8(j)) to the Representatives as of the date hereof are bound by market standoff provisions with the Company pursuant to which such holders have agreed not to sell, make any short sale of, loan, grant any option for the purchase of, or otherwise dispose of such holder’s securities during the Lock-Up Period (as defined below) without the consent of the Company (“Market Standoff Provisions”) that are enforceable by the Company. Each such Market Standoff Provision is in full force and effect as of the date hereof and shall remain in full force and effect during the Lock-Up Period, except that this provision shall not prevent the Company from effecting a waiver or amendment to permit a transfer of securities which would be permissible if such securities were subject to the terms of the lock-up agreement in the form attached as Annex II hereto.
2. Subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, (a) the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price per share of $42.4125, the number of Firm Shares set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto and (b) in the event and to the extent that the Underwriters shall exercise the election to purchase Optional Shares as provided below, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, at the purchase price per share set forth in clause (a) of this Section 2 (provided that the purchase price per Optional Share shall be reduced by an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Firm Shares but not payable on the Optional Shares), that portion of the number of Optional Shares as to which such election shall have been exercised (to be adjusted by you so as to eliminate fractional shares) determined by multiplying such number of Optional Shares by a fraction, the numerator of which is the maximum number of Optional Shares which such Underwriter is entitled to purchase as set forth opposite the name of such Underwriter in Schedule I hereto and the denominator of which is the maximum number of Optional Shares that all of the Underwriters are entitled to purchase hereunder.
The Company hereby grants to the Underwriters the right to purchase at their election up to 2,894,400 Optional Shares, at the purchase price per share set forth in the paragraph above, provided that the purchase price per Optional Share shall be reduced by an amount per share equal to any dividends or distributions declared by the Company and payable on the Firm Shares but not payable on the Optional Shares. Any such election to purchase Optional Shares may be exercised only by written notice from you to the Company, given within a period of 30 calendar days after the date of this Agreement, setting forth the aggregate number of Optional Shares to be purchased and the date on which such Optional Shares are to be delivered, as determined by you but in no event earlier than the First Time of Delivery (as defined in Section 4 hereof) or, unless you and the Company otherwise agree in writing, earlier than one or later than ten business days after the date of such notice.
3. Upon the authorization by you of the release of the Shares, the several Underwriters propose to offer the Shares for sale upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus.
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4. (a) The Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter hereunder, in definitive or book-entry form, and in such authorized denominations and registered in such names as the Representatives may request upon at least twenty-four hours’ prior notice to the Company shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to the Representatives, through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by or on behalf of such Underwriter of the purchase price therefor by wire transfer of Federal (same-day) funds to the account specified by the Company to the Representatives at least twenty-four hours in advance. The Company will cause the certificates, if any, representing the Shares to be made available for checking and packaging at least twenty-four hours prior to the Time of Delivery (as defined below) with respect thereto at the office of DTC or its designated custodian (the “Designated Office”). The time and date of such delivery and payment shall be, with respect to the Firm Shares, 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on August 8, 2025 or such other time and date as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing, and, with respect to the Optional Shares, 9:30 a.m., New York time, on the date specified by the Representatives in the written notice given by the Representatives of the Underwriters’ election to purchase such Optional Shares, or such other time and date as the Representatives and the Company may agree upon in writing. Such time and date for delivery of the Firm Shares is herein called the “First Time of Delivery”, such time and date for delivery of the Optional Shares, if not the First Time of Delivery, is herein called the “Second Time of Delivery”, and each such time and date for delivery is herein called a “Time of Delivery”.
(b) The documents to be delivered at each Time of Delivery by or on behalf of the parties hereto pursuant to Section 8 hereof, including the cross receipt for the Shares and any additional documents requested by the Underwriters pursuant to Section 8(k) hereof, will be delivered at the offices of Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP: 450 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017 (the “Closing Location”), and the Shares will be delivered at the Designated Office, all at such Time of Delivery. A meeting will be held at the Closing Location at 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on the New York Business Day next preceding such Time of Delivery, at which meeting the final drafts of the documents to be delivered pursuant to the preceding sentence will be available for review by the parties hereto. For the purposes of this Section 4, “New York Business Day” shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking institutions in New York City are generally authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
5. The Company agrees with each of the Underwriters:
(a) To prepare the Prospectus in a form approved by you and to file such Prospectus pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act prior to the earlier of (i) the First Time of Delivery and (ii) the Commission’s close of business on the second business day following the execution and delivery of this Agreement, or, if applicable, such earlier time as may be required by Rule 430A(a)(3) under the Act; to make no further amendment or any supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus prior to the last Time of Delivery which shall be disapproved by you promptly after reasonable notice thereof; to advise you, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the time when any amendment to the Registration Statement has been filed or becomes effective or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus has been filed and to furnish you with copies thereof; to file promptly all material required to be filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act; to advise you, promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or other prospectus in respect of the Shares, of the suspension of the qualification of the Shares for offering or sale in any jurisdiction, of the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for any such purpose, or of any request by the Commission for the amending or supplementing of the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information; and, in the event of the issuance of any stop order or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary Prospectus or other prospectus or suspending any such qualification, to promptly use its best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of such order; (b) Promptly from time to time to take such action as you may reasonably request to qualify the Shares for offering and sale under the securities laws of such jurisdictions as you may request and to comply with such laws so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein in such jurisdictions for as long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of the Shares, provided that in connection therewith the Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation (where not otherwise required) or to file a general consent to service of process in any jurisdiction (where not otherwise required);
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(c) Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and from time to time, to furnish the Underwriters with written and electronic copies of the Prospectus in New York City in such quantities as you may reasonably request, and, if the delivery of a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is required at any time prior to the expiration of nine months after the time of issue of the Prospectus in connection with the offering or sale of the Shares and if at such time any event shall have occurred as a result of which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made when such Prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) is delivered, not misleading, or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such same period to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to comply with the Act, to notify you and upon your request to prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter and to any dealer in securities as many written and electronic copies as you may from time to time reasonably request of an amended Prospectus or a supplement to the Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance; and in case any Underwriter is required to deliver a prospectus (or in lieu thereof, the notice referred to in Rule 173(a) under the Act) in connection with sales of any of the Shares at any time nine months or more after the time of issue of the Prospectus, upon your request but at the expense of such Underwriter, to prepare and deliver to such Underwriter as many written and electronic copies as you may request of an amended or supplemented Prospectus complying with Section 10(a)(3) of the Act;
(d) To make generally available to its securityholders as soon as practicable, but in any event not later than sixteen months after the effective date of the Registration Statement (as defined in Rule 158(c) under the Act), an earnings statement of the Company and its subsidiaries (which need not be audited) complying with Section 11(a) of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (including, at the option of the Company, Rule 158);
(e) (1) During the period beginning from the date hereof and continuing to and including the date 180 days after the date of the Prospectus (the “Lock-Up Period”), not to (i) offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, or file with or confidentially submit to the Commission a registration statement under the Act relating to, any securities of the Company that are substantially similar to the Shares, including but not limited to any options or warrants to purchase shares of Stock or any securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, Stock or any such substantially similar securities, or publicly disclose the intention to make any offer, sale, pledge, disposition or filing or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of the Stock or any such other securities, whether any such transaction described in clause (i) or (ii) above is to be settled by delivery of Stock or such other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior written consent of at least two of the Representatives (which must include Goldman Sachs & Co.
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LLC); provided, however, that the restrictions described above shall not apply to (A) the Shares to be sold hereunder, (B) the Shares issued pursuant to employee stock option plans existing on, or upon the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities outstanding as of, the date of this Agreement, (C) grants of stock options, stock awards, restricted stock, RSUs, or other equity awards and the issuance of Stock or securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Stock (whether upon the exercise of stock options or otherwise) to the Company’s employees, officers, directors, advisors or consultants pursuant to the terms of an equity compensation plan in effect on the date of the First Time of Delivery and described in the Pricing Prospectus; (D) the issuance, offer or entry into an agreement providing for the issuance of up to 10% of the total number of shares of Stock outstanding immediately following the offering of the Shares contemplated by this Agreement in acquisitions or other strategic transactions, provided that such recipients enter into a lock-up agreement with the Underwriters substantially to the effect set forth in Annex II hereto; (E) the filing of any registration statement on Form S-8 relating to securities granted or to be granted pursuant to any plan in effect on the date of the First Time of Delivery and described in the Pricing Prospectus or any assumed benefit plan pursuant to an acquisition or similar strategic transaction contemplated by clause (D); or (F) the submission of a confidential registration statement in connection with the exercise of any registration rights described in the Pricing Prospectus and any preparations related thereto, provided that such submission or preparations do not require or result in the public filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other public announcement of such proposed registration by the Company or any third party during the Lock-Up Period (and no such filing, public announcement or activity shall be voluntarily made or taken by the Company or any third party during the Restricted Period), and provided further that the Company shall notify the Representatives prior to making any such submission; and provided, further, that in the case of clauses (B) and (C), the Company shall (a) cause each recipient of such securities that is a member of the Company’s board of directors, an executive officer or a beneficial holder of 1% of the fully-diluted capital stock of the Company to execute and deliver to the Representatives, prior to or substantially concurrently with the issuance of such securities, a lock-up agreement substantially to the effect set forth in Annex II hereto (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not extend the lock-up period beyond 180 days after the date of the Prospectus) to the extent not already executed and delivered by such recipients as of the date hereof and (b) enter stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar on such securities with respect to all recipients of such securities, which the Company agrees it will not waive or amend without prior written consent of at least two of the Representatives (which must include Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC);
In addition, during the Lock-Up Period, the Company agrees to (a) enforce the Market Standoff Provisions and any similar transfer restrictions contained in any agreement between the Company and any of its securityholders, including, without limitation, through the issuance of stop transfer instructions to the Company’s transfer agent with respect to any transaction that would constitute a breach of, or default under, the transfer restrictions thereunder, except that this provision shall not prevent the Company from effecting a waiver or amendment to permit a transfer of securities that would be permissible under the terms of the lock-up agreement in the form attached as Annex II hereto, and (b) not otherwise amend or waive any such transfer restrictions with respect to any such holder without the prior written consent of at least two of the Representatives (which must include Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC); (2) If at least two of the Representatives (which must include Goldman Sachs & Co.
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LLC), in their sole discretion, agree to release or waive the restrictions set forth in a lock-up letter described in Section 8(i) hereof for an officer or director of the Company and provides the Company with notice of the impending release or waiver at least three business days before the effective date of the release or waiver, the Company agrees to announce the impending release or waiver by a press release substantially in the form of Annex I hereto through a major news service at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver;
(f) To furnish to its stockholders as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year an annual report (including a balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries certified by independent public accountants) and, as soon as practicable after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal quarter ending after the effective date of the Registration Statement), to make available to its stockholders consolidated summary financial information of the Company and its subsidiaries for such quarter in reasonable detail;
(g) During a period of three years from the effective date of the Registration Statement, to furnish to you copies of all reports or other communications (financial or other) furnished to stockholders, and to deliver to you (i) as soon as they are available, copies of any reports and financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission or any national securities exchange on which any class of securities of the Company is listed; and (ii) such additional information concerning the business and financial condition of the Company as you may from time to time reasonably request (such financial statements to be on a consolidated basis to the extent the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries are consolidated in reports furnished to its stockholders generally or to the Commission); provided, however, that the Company may satisfy the requirements of this Section 5(g) by filing such information through EDGAR;
(h) To use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement in the manner specified in the Pricing Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds”;
(i) To use its best efforts to list, subject to notice of issuance, the Shares on the Nasdaq Global Market;
(j) To file with the Commission such information on Form 10-Q or Form 10-K as may be required by Rule 463 under the Act;
(k) If the Company elects to rely upon Rule 462(b), the Company shall file a Rule 462(b) Registration Statement with the Commission in compliance with Rule 462(b) by 10:00 P.M., Washington, D.C. time, on the date of this Agreement, and the Company shall at the time of filing either pay to the Commission the filing fee for the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or give irrevocable instructions for the payment of such fee pursuant to Rule 111(b) under the Act;
(l) Upon request of any Underwriter, to furnish, or cause to be furnished, to such Underwriter an electronic version of the Company’s corporate logo (the “Offering Logo”) for use on the website, if any, operated by such Underwriter solely for the purpose of facilitating the on-line offering of the Shares; provided, however, that (i) Underwriter shall use the Offering Logo solely for the purpose described above without any fee, (ii) Underwriter shall not use the Offering Logo in any manner that may reasonably be expect to harm the reputation or goodwill of the Company or the Company’s rights in the Offering Logo, and (iii) such right may not be assigned, sublicensed or transferred by the Underwriter; (m) To comply with all applicable securities and other laws, rules and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the Directed Shares are offered in connection with the Directed Share Program; and
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(n) To promptly notify you if the Company ceases to be an Emerging Growth Company at any time prior to the later of (i) completion of the distribution of the Shares within the meaning of the Act and (ii) the last Time of Delivery.
6. (a) The Company represents and agrees that, without the prior consent of the Representatives, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute a “free writing prospectus” as defined in Rule 405 under the Act; each Underwriter represents and agrees that, without the prior consent of the Company and the Representatives, it has not made and will not make any offer relating to the Shares that would constitute a free writing prospectus required to be filed with the Commission; any such free writing prospectus the use of which has been consented to by the Company and the Representatives is listed on Schedule II(a) hereto;
(b) The Company has complied and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 under the Act applicable to any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, including timely filing with the Commission or retention where required and legending; and the Company represents that it has satisfied and agrees that it will satisfy the conditions under Rule 433 under the Act to avoid a requirement to file with the Commission any electronic road show;
(c) The Company agrees that if at any time following issuance of an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Written Testing-the-Waters Communication any event occurred or occurs as a result of which such Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or Written Testing-the-Waters Communication would conflict with the information in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then prevailing, not misleading, the Company will give prompt notice thereof to the Representatives and, if requested by the Representatives, will prepare and furnish without charge to each Underwriter an Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, Written Testing-the-Waters Communication or other document which will correct such conflict, statement or omission;
(d) The Company represents and agrees that (i) it has not engaged in, or authorized any other person to engage in, any Testing-the-Waters Communications, other than Testing-the-Waters Communications with the prior consent of the Representatives with entities that the Company reasonably believes are qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Act or institutions that are accredited investors as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8) under the Act; and (ii) it has not distributed, or authorized any other person to distribute, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communications, other than those distributed with the prior consent of the Representatives that are listed on Schedule II(c) hereto; and the Company reconfirms that the Underwriters have been authorized to act on its behalf in engaging in Testing-the-Waters Communications; and (e) Each Underwriter represents and agrees that any Testing-the-Waters Communications undertaken by it were with entities that such Underwriter reasonably believes are qualified institutional buyers as defined in Rule 144A under the Act or institutions that are accredited investors as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), (a)(7) or (a)(8) under the Act.
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7. The Company covenants and agrees with the several Underwriters that the Company will pay or cause to be paid the following: (i) the fees, disbursements and expenses of the Company’s counsel and accountants in connection with the registration of the Shares under the Act and all other expenses in connection with the preparation, printing, reproduction and filing of the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, any Written Testing-the-Waters Communication, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus and the Prospectus and amendments and supplements thereto and the mailing and delivering of copies thereof to the Underwriters and dealers; (ii) the cost of printing or producing any Agreement among Underwriters, this Agreement, the Blue Sky Memorandum, closing documents (including any compilations thereof) and any other documents in connection with the offering, purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares; (iii) all expenses in connection with the qualification of the Shares for offering and sale under state securities laws as provided in Section 5(b) hereof, including the reasonable and documented fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with such qualification and in connection with the Blue Sky survey (iv) all fees and expenses in connection with listing the Shares on the Exchange; (v) the reasonable and documented filing fees incident to, and the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with, any required review by FINRA of the terms of the sale of the Shares (provided that aggregate fees and disbursements of counsel for the underwriters pursuant to clause (iii) and this clause (v) of this Section 7 shall not exceed $50,000 in the aggregate); (vi) the cost of preparing stock certificates, to the extent applicable; (vii) the cost and charges of any transfer agent or registrar; and (viii) all other costs and expenses incident to the performance of its obligations hereunder which are not otherwise specifically provided for in this Section 7. In addition, the Company shall pay or cause to be paid all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program and stamp duties, similar taxes or duties or other taxes, if any, incurred by the Underwriters in connection with the Directed Share Program. It is understood, however, that, except as provided in this Section, and Sections 9 and 12 hereof, the Underwriters will pay (i) all of their own costs and expenses, including the fees of their counsel, stock transfer taxes on resale of any of the Shares by them, and any advertising expenses connected with any offers they may make, and (ii) in connection with any “roadshow” as defined in Rule 433(h) under the Act (a “roadshow”) undertaken in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Shares, the travel, lodging and meal expenses of the Underwriters; provided, however, the Representatives and the Company agree that the Underwriters shall pay or cause to be paid fifty percent (50%) of the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with such roadshow.
8. The obligations of the Underwriters hereunder, as to the Shares to be delivered at each Time of Delivery, shall be subject, in their discretion, to the condition that all representations and warranties and other statements of the Company herein are, at and as of the Applicable Time and such Time of Delivery, true and correct, the condition that the Company shall have performed all of its obligations hereunder theretofore to be performed, and the following additional conditions:
(a) The Prospectus shall have been filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Act within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by the rules and regulations under the Act and in accordance with Section 5(a) hereof; all material required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act shall have been filed with the Commission within the applicable time period prescribed for such filing by Rule 433; if the Company has elected to rely upon Rule 462(b) under the Act, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement shall have become effective by 10:00 P.M., Washington, D.C. time, on the date of this Agreement; no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any part thereof shall have been issued and no proceeding for that purpose or pursuant to Section 8A of the Act shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; no stop order suspending or preventing the use of the Pricing Prospectus, Prospectus or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus shall have been initiated or threatened by the Commission; and all requests for additional information on the part of the Commission shall have been complied with to your reasonable satisfaction;
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(b) Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, counsel for the Underwriters, shall have furnished to you such written opinion or opinions, dated such Time of Delivery, in form and substance satisfactory to you, and such counsel shall have received such papers and information as they may reasonably request to enable them to pass upon such matters;
(c) Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel for the Company, shall have furnished to you their written opinion, dated such Time of Delivery, in form and substance satisfactory to you;
(d) On the date of the Prospectus at a time prior to the execution of this Agreement, at 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on the effective date of any post effective amendment to the Registration Statement filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement and also at each Time of Delivery, Grant Thornton LLP shall have furnished to you a letter or letters, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, in form and substance satisfactory to you;
(e) On the date of the Prospectus concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, at 9:30 a.m., New York City time, on the effective date of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement and also at each Time of Delivery, the Company shall have furnished to the Representatives a certificate or certificates, dated the respective dates of delivery thereof, of its chief financial officer with respect to certain financial data contained in the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, providing “management comfort” with respect to such information, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representatives;
(f) (i) Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries shall have sustained since the date of the latest audited financial statements included in the Pricing Prospectus any loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, and (ii) since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Pricing Prospectus there shall not have been any change in the capital stock (other than as a result of (i) the exercise, vesting or settlement, if any, of stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards (including any “net” or “cashless” exercises or settlements) or the award, if any, of stock options, restricted stock units or other equity awards in the ordinary course of business pursuant to the Company’s equity plans that are described in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus or (ii) the issuance, if any, of stock upon exercise, conversion, exchange or reclassification of Company securities as described in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus) or long term debt of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any change or effect, or any development involving a prospective change or effect, in or affecting (x) the business, properties, general affairs, management, financial position, stockholders’ equity or results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, except as set forth or contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus, or (y) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations under this Agreement, including the issuance and sale of the Shares, or to consummate the transactions contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus, the effect of which, in any such case described in clause (i) or (ii), is in your judgment so material and adverse as to make it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Shares being delivered at such Time of Delivery on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus;
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(g) There are no debt securities or preferred stock issued by the Company or any of its subsidiaries that are rated by any “nationally recognized statistical rating organization,” as that term is defined by the Commission for purposes of Rule 436(g)(2) under the Act;
(h) On or after the Applicable Time there shall not have occurred any of the following: (i) a suspension or material limitation in trading in securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Global Market; (ii) a suspension or material limitation in trading in the Company’s securities on the Exchange; (iii) a general moratorium on commercial banking activities declared by either Federal or New York or State authorities or a material disruption in commercial banking or securities settlement or clearance services in the United States; (iv) the outbreak or escalation of hostilities involving the United States or the declaration by the United States of a national emergency or war or (v) the occurrence of any other calamity or crisis or any change in financial, political or economic conditions in the United States or elsewhere, if the effect of any such event specified in clause (iv) or (v) in your judgment makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the public offering or the delivery of the Shares being delivered at such Time of Delivery on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Pricing Prospectus and the Prospectus;
(i) The Shares to be sold at such Time of Delivery shall have been duly listed, subject to notice of issuance, for quotation on Nasdaq;
(j) The Company shall have obtained and delivered to the Underwriters executed copies of an agreement from each officer, director, and stockholder of the Company listed on Schedule III hereto, substantially to the effect set forth in Annex II hereto in form and substance satisfactory to you;
(k) The Company shall have complied with the provisions of Section 5(c) hereof with respect to the furnishing of prospectuses on the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of this Agreement; and
(l) The Company shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to you at such Time of Delivery certificates of officers of the Company satisfactory to you as to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company herein at and as of such Time of Delivery, as to the performance by the Company of all of its obligations hereunder to be performed at or prior to such Time of Delivery, as to the matters set forth in subsections (a) and (f) of this Section and as to such other matters as you may reasonably request.
9.
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(a) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which such Underwriter may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, any roadshow, any “issuer information” filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Act or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the case of the Registration Statement (and any amendments and supplements thereto) only, not misleading, and, in the case of such other documents, not misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made and will reimburse each Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such Underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information.
(b) Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, will indemnify and hold harmless the Company against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities to which the Company may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or any roadshow or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements , in the case of the Registration Statement (and any amendments and supplements thereto) only, not misleading, and, in the case of such other documents, not misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, any Preliminary Prospectus, the Pricing Prospectus or the Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or any Issuer Free Writing Prospectus, or any roadshow or any Testing-the-Waters Communication, in reliance upon and in conformity with the Underwriter Information; and will reimburse the Company for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Company in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred. As used in this Agreement with respect to an Underwriter and an applicable document, “Underwriter Information” shall mean the written information furnished to the Company by such Underwriter through the Representatives expressly for use therein; it being understood and agreed upon that the only such information furnished by any Underwriter consists of the following information in the Prospectus furnished on behalf of each Underwriter: the concession and reallowance figures appearing in the fifth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting”, and the information contained in the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth paragraph under the caption “Underwriting”.
(c) Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party under such subsection, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof; provided that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 9 except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided further that the failure to notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an indemnified party otherwise than under the preceding paragraphs of this Section 9.
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In case any such action shall be brought against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to such indemnified party (who shall not, except with the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party), and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under such subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by such indemnified party, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation. No indemnifying party shall, without the written consent of the indemnified party, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the indemnified party is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (i) includes an unconditional release of the indemnified party from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any indemnified party.
(d) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9 is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party under subsection (a) or (b) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by such indemnified party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page of the Prospectus. The relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Underwriters on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this subsection (d) were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this subsection (d). The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this subsection (d) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection (d), no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Shares underwritten by it and distributed to the public were offered to the public exceeds the amount of any damages which such Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.
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No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations in this subsection (d) to contribute are several in proportion to their respective underwriting obligations and not joint.
(e) The obligations of the Company under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each employee, officer and director of each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter within the meaning of the Act and each broker-dealer or other affiliate of any Underwriter; and the obligations of the Underwriters under this Section 9 shall be in addition to any liability which the respective Underwriters may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each officer and director of the Company (including any person who, with his or her consent, is named in the Registration Statement as about to become a director of the Company) and to each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of the Act.
(f) (i) The Company will indemnify and hold harmless the Directed Share Underwriter against any losses, claims, damages and liabilities to which the Directed Share Underwriter may become subject, under the Act or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) (x) arise out of or are based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any material prepared by or with the consent of the Company for distribution to Participants in connection with the Directed Share Program or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (y) arise out of or are based upon the failure of any Participant to pay for and accept delivery of Directed Shares that the Participant agreed to purchase, or (z) are related to, arise out of or are in connection with the Directed Share Program, and will reimburse the Directed Share Underwriter for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Directed Share Underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim as such expenses are incurred; provided, however, that with respect to clauses (y) and (z) above, the Company shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage or liability is finally judicially determined to have resulted from the bad faith or gross negligence of the Directed Share Underwriter.
(ii) Promptly after receipt by the Directed Share Underwriter of notice of the commencement of any action, the Directed Share Underwriter shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Company, notify the Company in writing of the commencement thereof; provided that the failure to notify the Company shall not relieve the Company from any liability that it may have under the preceding paragraph of this Section 9(f) except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided further that the failure to notify the Company shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to the Directed Share Underwriter otherwise than under the preceding paragraph of this Section 9(f). In case any such action shall be brought against the Directed Share Underwriter and it shall notify the Company of the commencement thereof, the Company shall be entitled to participate therein and, to the extent that it shall wish, to assume the defense thereof, with counsel satisfactory to the Directed Share Underwriter (who shall not, except with the consent of the Directed Share Underwriter, be counsel to the Company), and, after notice from the Company to the Directed Share Underwriter of its election so to assume the defense thereof, the Company shall not be liable to the Directed Share Underwriter under this subsection for any legal expenses of other counsel or any other expenses, in each case subsequently incurred by the Directed Share Underwriter, in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation.
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The Company shall not, without the written consent of the Directed Share Underwriter, effect the settlement or compromise of, or consent to the entry of any judgment with respect to, any pending or threatened action or claim in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the Directed Share Underwriter is an actual or potential party to such action or claim) unless such settlement, compromise or judgment (x) includes an unconditional release of the Directed Share Underwriter from all liability arising out of such action or claim and (y) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of the Directed Share Underwriter.
(iii) If the indemnification provided for in this Section 9(f) is unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless the Directed Share Underwriter under Section 9(f)(i) above in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then the Company shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Directed Share Underwriter as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Directed Share Underwriter on the other from the offering of the Directed Shares. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then the Company shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by the Directed Share Underwriter in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Directed Share Underwriter on the other in connection with any statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the Directed Share Underwriter on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the total net proceeds from the offering of the Directed Shares (before deducting expenses) received by the Company bear to the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Directed Share Underwriter for the Directed Shares. If the loss, claim, damage or liability arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, the relative fault shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company on the one hand or the Directed Share Underwriter on the other and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The Company and the Directed Share Underwriter agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 9(f)(iii) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above in this Section 9(f)(iii). The amount paid or payable by the Directed Share Underwriter as a result of the losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this Section 9(f)(iii) shall be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by the Directed Share Underwriter in connection with investigating or defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 9(f)(iii), the Directed Share Underwriter shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Directed Shares sold by it and distributed to the Participants exceeds the amount of any damages which the Directed Share Underwriter has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
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(iv) The obligations of the Company under this Section 9(f) shall be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise have and shall extend, upon the same terms and conditions, to each employee, officer and director of the Directed Share Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls the Directed Share Underwriter within the meaning of the Act and each broker-dealer or other affiliate of the Directed Share Underwriter.
10. (a) If any Underwriter shall default in its obligation to purchase the Shares which it has agreed to purchase hereunder at a Time of Delivery, you may in your discretion arrange for you or another party or other parties to purchase such Shares on the terms contained herein. If within thirty six hours after such default by any Underwriter you do not arrange for the purchase of such Shares, then the Company shall be entitled to a further period of thirty six hours within which to procure another party or other parties satisfactory to you to purchase such Shares on such terms. In the event that, within the respective prescribed periods, you notify the Company that you have so arranged for the purchase of such Shares, or the Company notifies you that it has so arranged for the purchase of such Shares, you or the Company shall have the right to postpone such Time of Delivery for a period of not more than seven days, in order to effect whatever changes may thereby be made necessary in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or in any other documents or arrangements, and the Company agrees to file promptly any amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus which in your opinion may thereby be made necessary. The term “Underwriter” as used in this Agreement shall include any person substituted under this Section with like effect as if such person had originally been a party to this Agreement with respect to such Shares.
(b) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by you and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate number of such Shares which remains unpurchased does not exceed one eleventh of the aggregate number of all the Shares to be purchased at such Time of Delivery, then the Company shall have the right to require each non defaulting Underwriter to purchase the number of shares which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder at such Time of Delivery and, in addition, to require each non defaulting Underwriter to purchase its pro rata share (based on the number of Shares which such Underwriter agreed to purchase hereunder) of the Shares of such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters for which such arrangements have not been made; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
(c) If, after giving effect to any arrangements for the purchase of the Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters by you and the Company as provided in subsection (a) above, the aggregate number of such Shares which remains unpurchased exceeds one eleventh of the aggregate number of all the Shares to be purchased at such Time of Delivery, or if the Company shall not exercise the right described in subsection (b) above to require non defaulting Underwriters to purchase Shares of a defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters, then this Agreement (or, with respect to the Second Time of Delivery, the obligations of the Underwriters to purchase and of the Company to sell the Optional Shares) shall thereupon terminate, without liability on the part of any non-defaulting Underwriter or the Company, except for the expenses to be borne by the Company and the Underwriters as provided in Section 7 hereof and the indemnity and contribution agreements in Section 9 hereof; but nothing herein shall relieve a defaulting Underwriter from liability for its default.
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11. The respective indemnities, rights of contribution, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company and the several Underwriters, as set forth in this Agreement or made by or on behalf of them, respectively, pursuant to this Agreement, shall remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation (or any statement as to the results thereof) made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or any director, officer, employee, affiliate or controlling person of any Underwriter, or the Company, or any officer or director or controlling person of the Company, and shall survive delivery of and payment for the Shares.
12. If this Agreement shall be terminated pursuant to Section 10 hereof, the Company shall not then be under any liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 7 and 9 hereof; but, if for any other reason, any Shares are not delivered by or on behalf of the Company as provided herein or the Underwriters decline to purchase the Shares for any reason permitted under this Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Underwriters through you for all out of pocket expenses approved in writing by you, including fees and disbursements of counsel, reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in making preparations for the purchase, sale and delivery of the Shares not so delivered, but the Company shall then be under no further liability to any Underwriter except as provided in Sections 7 and 9 hereof.
13. In all dealings hereunder, the Representatives shall act on behalf of each of the Underwriters, and the parties hereto shall be entitled to act and rely upon any statement, request, notice or agreement on behalf of any Underwriter made or given by you jointly.
All statements, requests, notices and agreements hereunder shall be in writing, and if to the Underwriters shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, 200 West Street, New York, New York 10282-2198, Attention: Registration Department; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 383 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10179 (Fax: (212) 622-8358) Attention: Equity Syndicate Desk; Jefferies LLC 520 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022-4213 Attention: Aerospace, General Counsel; and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, 500 West 33rd Street, New York, New York 10001, Attention: Equity Syndicate Department (fax no: (212) 214--5918); and if to the Company shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to the address of the Company set forth in the Registration Statement, Attention: Secretary; provided, however, that any notice to an Underwriter pursuant to Section 9(c) hereof shall be delivered or sent by mail, telex or facsimile transmission to such Underwriter at its address set forth in its Underwriters’ Questionnaire, or telex constituting such Questionnaire, which address will be supplied to the Company by you upon request. Any such statements, requests, notices or agreements shall take effect upon receipt thereof.
In accordance with the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)), the underwriters are required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies their respective clients, including the Company, which information may include the name and address of their respective clients, as well as other information that will allow the underwriters to properly identify their respective clients.
14. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure solely to the benefit of, the Underwriters, the Company and, to the extent provided in Sections 9 and 11 hereof, the officers and directors of the Company and each person who controls the Company or any Underwriter, or any director, officer, employee, or affiliate of any Underwriter, and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire or have any right under or by virtue of this Agreement. No purchaser of any of the Shares from any Underwriter shall be deemed a successor or assign by reason merely of such purchase.
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15. Time shall be of the essence of this Agreement. As used herein, the term “business day” shall mean any day when the Commission’s office in Washington, D.C. is open for business.
16. The Company acknowledges and agrees that (i) the purchase and sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other, (ii) in connection therewith and with the process leading to such transaction each Underwriter is acting solely as a principal and not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, (iii) no Underwriter has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on other matters) or any other obligation to the Company except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (iv) the Company has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate, and (v) none of the activities of the Underwriters in connection with the transactions contemplated herein constitutes a recommendation, investment advice, or solicitation of any action by the Underwriters with respect to any entity or natural person. The Company agrees that it will not claim that the Underwriters, or any of them, has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owes a fiduciary or similar duty to the Company, in connection with such transaction or the process leading thereto.
17. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Underwriters, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.
18. This Agreement and any transaction contemplated by this Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related thereto shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflict of laws that would results in the application of any other law than the laws of the State of New York. The Company agrees that any suit or proceeding arising in respect of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated by this Agreement will be tried exclusively in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York or, if that court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, in any state court located in The City and County of New York and the Company agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of, and to venue in, such courts.
19. The Company and each of the Underwriters hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all right to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
20. This Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including any electronic signature covered by the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, the Electronic Signatures and Records Act or other applicable law, e.g., www.docusign.com) or other transmission method and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
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21. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company is authorized to disclose to any persons the U.S. federal and state income tax treatment and tax structure of the potential transaction and all materials of any kind (including tax opinions and other tax analyses) provided to the Company relating to that treatment and structure, without the Underwriters imposing any limitation of any kind. However, any information relating to the tax treatment and tax structure shall remain confidential (and the foregoing sentence shall not apply) to the extent necessary to enable any person to comply with securities laws. For this purpose, “tax structure” is limited to any facts that may be relevant to that treatment.
22. Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.
(a) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(b) In the event that any Underwriter that is a Covered Entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.
(c) As used in this section:
“BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k).
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
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If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please sign and return to us counterparts hereof, and upon the acceptance hereof by you, on behalf of each of the Underwriters, this letter and such acceptance hereof shall constitute a binding agreement between each of the Underwriters and the Company. It is understood that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of each of the Underwriters is pursuant to the authority set forth in a form of Agreement among Underwriters, the form of which shall be submitted to the Company for examination upon request, but without warranty on your part as to the authority of the signers thereof.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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| Very truly yours, | ||
| Firefly Aerospace Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jason Kim | |
| Name: Jason Kim | ||
| Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Accepted as of the date hereof | ||
| Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Ryan Cunn | |
| Name: Ryan Cunn | ||
| Title: Managing Director | ||
| J.P. Morgan Securities LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Arun Kumarathas | |
| Name: Arun Kumarathas | ||
| Title: Vice President | ||
| Jefferies LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Scott Skidmore | |
| Name: Scott Skidmore | ||
| Title: Managing Director | ||
| Wells Fargo Securities, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Jill Ford | |
| Name: Jill Ford | ||
| Title: Co-Head of Equity Capital Markets | ||
| On behalf of each of the Underwriters | ||
SCHEDULE I
| Underwriter |
Total Number of Firm Shares to be Purchased |
Number of Optional Shares to be Purchased if Maximum Option Exercised |
||||||
| Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
5,243,813 | 786,571 | ||||||
| J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
3,803,158 | 570,474 | ||||||
| Jefferies LLC |
3,803,158 | 570,474 | ||||||
| Wells Fargo Securities, LLC |
3,803,158 | 570,474 | ||||||
| Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC |
1,409,447 | 211,417 | ||||||
| Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. |
704,723 | 105,709 | ||||||
| Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. |
264,271 | 39,641 | ||||||
| Roth Capital Partners, LLC |
132,136 | 19,820 | ||||||
| Academy Securities, Inc. |
132,136 | 19,820 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Total |
19,296,000 | 2,894,400 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
SCHEDULE II
(a) Issuer Free Writing Prospectuses not included in the Pricing Disclosure Package: Electronic roadshow dated July 2025
(b) Information other than the Pricing Prospectus that comprise the Pricing Disclosure Package:
The initial public offering price per share for the Shares is $45
The number of Firm Shares purchased by the Underwriters is 19,296,000
(c) Written Testing-the-Waters Communications:
Testing-the-Waters presentations dated May 2025, June 2025 and July 2025
SCHEDULE III
| Name of Officer, Director or Stockholder |
Jason Kim
Darren Ma
Dan Fermon
Shea Ferring
David Wheeler
Kirk Konert
Marc Weiser
Christopher Emerson
Thomas Zurbuchen
Pamela Braden
Kevin McAllister
Jon Lusczakoski
Ryan Boland
John Termotto
Olga Bai
Adam Oakes
Brigette Oakes
Trina Patterson
Glow NS Holdings, LLC
Glow B Holdings, LLC
Glow C Holdings, LLC
Glow D Holdings, LLC
AE Co-Investment Partners Fund III-F, LP
Astera Institute
Thomas Markusic
ANNEX I
Form of Press Release
Firefly Aerospace Inc.
[•], 2025
AE Industrial Partners Structured Solutions I, LP “Firefly Aerospace Inc.” announced today that [•], the book-running managers in the Company’s recent public sale of [•] shares of common stock, are [waiving] [releasing] a lock-up restriction with respect to [•] shares of the Company’s common stock held by [certain officers or directors] [an officer or director] of the Company. The waiver will take effect on [•], 2025, and the shares may be sold on or after such date.
This press release is not an offer for sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such offer is prohibited, and such securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
ANNEX II
[FORM OF LOCK-UP AGREEMENT]
Firefly Aerospace Inc.
Lock-Up Agreement
July , 2025
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
Jefferies LLC
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
As Representatives of the several Underwriters
named in Schedule I to the Underwriting Agreement
c/o Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC
200 West Street
New York, NY 10282-2198
c/o J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
383 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10179
c/o Jefferies LLC
520 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
c/o Wells Fargo Securities, LLC
500 West 33rd Street, 14th Floor
New York, New York 10001
| Re: | Firefly Aerospace Inc. - Lock-Up Agreement |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned understands that you, as representatives (the “Representatives”), propose to enter into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) on behalf of the several Underwriters named in Schedule I to such agreement (collectively, the “Underwriters”), with Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), providing for a public offering (the “Public Offering”) of shares (the “Shares”) of the common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”) pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
In consideration of the agreement by the Underwriters to offer and sell the Shares, and of other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned agrees that, during the period beginning from the date of this Lock-Up Agreement and continuing to and including the date 180 days after the date of the final prospectus relating to the Public Offering (the “Prospectus”) (such period, the “Lock-Up Period”), the undersigned shall not, and shall not cause or direct any of its affiliates to, (i) offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any shares of Common Stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of Common Stock (such shares of Common Stock, options, rights, warrants or other securities, collectively, “Lock-Up Securities”), including without limitation any such Lock-Up Securities now owned or hereafter acquired by the undersigned, (ii) engage in any hedging or other transaction or arrangement (including, without limitation, any short sale or the purchase or sale of, or entry into, any put or call option, or combination thereof, forward, swap or any other derivative transaction or instrument, however described or defined) which is designed to or which reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale, loan, pledge or other disposition (whether by the undersigned or someone other than the undersigned), or transfer of any of the economic consequences of ownership, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, of any Lock-Up Securities, whether any such transaction or arrangement (or instrument provided for thereunder) would be settled by delivery of Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise (any such sale, loan, pledge or other disposition, or transfer of economic consequences, a “Transfer”), (iii) make any demand for or exercise any right with respect to the registration of any Lock-Up Securities or (iv) otherwise publicly announce any intention to engage in or cause any action, activity, transaction or arrangement described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above. The undersigned represents and warrants that the undersigned is not, and has not caused or directed any of its affiliates to be or become, currently a party to any agreement or arrangement that provides for, is designed to or reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in any Transfer during the Lock-Up Period.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the undersigned may:
| (a) | transfer the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities |
| (i) | as one or more bona fide gifts or charitable contributions, or for bona fide estate planning purposes, |
| (ii) | upon death by will, testamentary document or intestate succession, |
| (iii) | if the undersigned is a natural person, to any member of the undersigned’s immediate family (for purposes of this Lock-Up Agreement, “immediate family” shall mean any relationship by blood, current or former marriage, domestic partnership or adoption, not more remote than first cousin) or to any trust for the direct or indirect benefit of the undersigned or the immediate family of the undersigned or, if the undersigned is a trust, to a trustor or beneficiary of the trust or the estate of a beneficiary of such trust, |
| (iv) | to a partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which the undersigned and the immediate family of the undersigned are the legal and beneficial owner of all of the outstanding equity securities or similar interests, |
| (v) | to a nominee or custodian of a person or entity to whom a disposition or transfer would be permissible under clauses (a)(i) through (iv) above, |
| (vi) | if the undersigned is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust or other business entity, (A) to another corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business entity that is an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the undersigned, or to any investment fund or other entity which fund or entity is controlled or managed by the undersigned or affiliates of the undersigned, or (B) as part of a distribution by the undersigned to its stockholders, current or former partners, members or other equityholders or to the estate of any such stockholders, partners, members or other equityholders, |
| (vii) | by operation of law, such as pursuant to a qualified domestic order, divorce settlement, divorce decree or separation agreement or other order of a court or regulatory authority, |
| (viii) | to the Company from an employee of the Company upon death, disability or termination of employment, in each case, of such employee, |
| (ix) | if the undersigned is not an officer or director of the Company or a stockholder holding 10% or more of the Company’s Common Stock, in connection with a sale or transfer of the undersigned’s shares of Common Stock acquired (A) from the Underwriters in the Public Offering or (B) in open market transactions after the closing date of the Public Offering, |
| (x) | to the Company in connection with the vesting, settlement or exercise of restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of Common Stock (including, in each case, by way of “net” or “cashless” exercise) that are scheduled to expire or automatically vest during the Lock-Up Period, including any transfer to the Company for the payment of tax withholdings or remittance payments due as a result of the vesting, settlement or exercise of such restricted stock units, options, warrants or other rights, or in connection with the conversion of convertible securities, in all such cases pursuant to equity awards granted under a stock incentive plan or other equity award plan, or pursuant to the terms of convertible securities, each as described in the Registration Statement, the preliminary prospectus relating to the Shares included in the Registration Statement immediately prior to the time the Underwriting Agreement is executed and the Prospectus, provided that any securities received upon such vesting, settlement, exercise or conversion shall be subject to the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement, |
| (xi) | in “sell to cover” or similar open market transactions during the Lock-Up Period to satisfy any exercise price or tax withholding obligations as a result of the exercise, vesting and/or settlement of Company equity awards (including options and restricted stock units) held by the undersigned and issued pursuant to a plan or arrangement described in the Prospectus, provided that, any such shares of Common Stock retained by the undersigned after giving effect to this provision shall be subject to the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement, |
| (xii) | in connection with the conversion, exchange or reclassification of any outstanding securities of the Company into shares of Common Stock, or any conversion, exchange or reclassification of the Common Stock, provided that any such shares of Common Stock received upon such conversion, exchange or reclassification shall be subject to the terms of this Lock-Up Agreement, or |
| (xiii) | with the prior written consent of at least two of the Representatives (which must include Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC) on behalf of the Underwriters; |
provided that (A) in the case of clauses (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (xii) above, such transfer or distribution shall not involve a disposition for value, (B) in the case of clauses (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v), (vi) and (vii) above, it shall be a condition to the transfer or distribution that the donee, devisee, transferee or distributee, as the case may be, shall sign and deliver a lock-up agreement in the form of this Lock-Up Agreement, (C) in the case of clauses (a)(ii), (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) above, no filing by any party (including, without limitation, any donor, donee, devisee, transferor, transferee, distributor or distributee) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act), or other public filing, report or announcement reporting a reduction in beneficial ownership of Lock-Up Securities shall be required or shall be voluntarily made in connection with such transfer or distribution, and (D) in the case of clauses (a)(i), (vii), (viii), (ix), (x), (xi) and (xii) above, no filing under the Exchange Act or other public filing, report or announcement shall be voluntarily made, and if any such filing, report or announcement shall be legally required during the Lock-Up Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate in the footnotes thereto (A) the circumstances of such transfer or distribution and (B) in the case of a transfer or distribution pursuant to clauses (a)(i) or (vii) above, that the donee, devisee, transferee or distributee has agreed to be bound by a lock-up agreement in the form of this Lock-Up Agreement;
| (b) | enter into a written plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act relating to the transfer, sale or other disposition of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities, if then permitted by the Company, provided that none of the securities subject to such plan may be transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of until after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period and no public announcement, report or filing under the Exchange Act, or any other public filing, report or announcement, shall be voluntarily made (whether by or on behalf of the undersigned, the Company or any other party) regarding, or that otherwise discloses, the establishment of such plan during the Lock-Up Period, and if any such filing, report or announcement shall be legally required during the Lock-Up Period, such filing, report or announcement shall clearly indicate that that none of the securities subject to such plan may be transferred, sold or otherwise disposed of pursuant to such plan until after the expiration of the Lock-Up Period; |
| (c) | transfer the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities pursuant to a bona fide third-party tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction that is approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and made to all holders of the Company’s capital stock involving a Change of Control of the Company (for purposes hereof, “Change of Control” shall mean the transfer (whether by tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction), in one transaction or a series of related transactions, to a person or group of affiliated persons, of shares of capital stock if, after such transfer, such person or group of affiliated persons would hold at least a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company (or the surviving entity)); provided that in the event that such tender offer, merger, consolidation or other similar transaction is not completed, the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities shall remain subject to the provisions of this Lock-Up Agreement; and |
| (d) | to the extent the undersigned has demand and/or piggyback registration rights under any registration rights agreement described in the Prospectus, the undersigned may notify the Company privately that the undersigned is or will be exercising his, her or its demand and/or piggyback registration rights under any such registration rights agreement following the expiration of the Lock-Up Period and undertake preparations related thereto; provided that the foregoing notification and/or preparations do not request, require or result in the public filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other public announcement of such proposed registration by the undersigned, the Company or any third party during the Lock-Up Period (and no such filing, public announcement or activity shall be voluntarily made or taken by the undersigned, the Company or any third party during the Lock-Up Period); provided further that the Company shall notify the Representatives upon receipt of such notice. |
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, the undersigned further agrees that the foregoing provisions shall be equally applicable to any issuer-directed or other Shares the undersigned may purchase in the Public Offering.
If the undersigned is not a natural person, the undersigned represents and warrants that no single natural person, entity or “group” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), other than a natural person, entity or “group” (as described above) that has executed a Lock-Up Agreement in substantially the same form as this Lock-Up Agreement, beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the common equity interests, or 50% or more of the voting power, in the undersigned.
If the undersigned is an officer or director of the Company, (i) the Representatives agree that, at least three business days before the effective date of any release or waiver of the foregoing restrictions in connection with a transfer of shares of Common Stock, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC will notify the Company of the impending release or waiver, and (ii) the Company has agreed in the Underwriting Agreement to announce the impending release or waiver by press release through a major news service (or such other method approved by at least two of the Representatives (which must include Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC) that satisfies the requirements of FINRA Rule 5131(d)(2)) at least two business days before the effective date of the release or waiver. Any release or waiver granted hereunder to any such officer or director shall only be effective two business days after the publication date of such press release. The provisions of this paragraph will not apply if (i) the release or waiver is effected solely to permit a transfer not for consideration or that is to an immediate family member as defined in FINRA Rule 5130(i)(5) and (ii) the transferee has agreed in writing to be bound by the same terms described in this Lock-Up Agreement to the extent and for the duration that such terms remain in effect at the time of the transfer.
The undersigned now has, and, except as contemplated by clauses (a) and (c) of the third paragraph of this Lock-Up Agreement, for the duration of this Lock-Up Agreement will have, good and marketable title to the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities, free and clear of all liens, encumbrances and claims whatsoever. The undersigned also agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer instructions with the Company’s transfer agent and registrar against the transfer of the undersigned’s Lock-Up Securities except in compliance with the foregoing restrictions.
The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that none of the Underwriters has made any recommendation or provided any investment or other advice to the undersigned with respect to this Lock-Up Agreement or the subject matter hereof, and the undersigned has consulted its own legal, accounting, financial, regulatory, tax and other advisors with respect to this Lock-Up Agreement and the subject matter hereof to the extent the undersigned has deemed appropriate. The undersigned further acknowledges and agrees that, although the Underwriters may have provided or hereafter provide to the undersigned in connection with the Public Offering a Form CRS and/or certain other disclosures as contemplated by Regulation Best Interest, the Underwriters have not made and are not making a recommendation to the undersigned to enter into this Lock-Up Agreement or to transfer, sell or dispose of, or to refrain from transferring, selling or disposing of, any shares of Common Stock, and nothing set forth in such disclosures or herein is intended to suggest that any Underwriter is making such a recommendation.
This Lock-Up Agreement shall automatically terminate and the undersigned shall be released from all of his, her or its obligations hereunder upon the earlier of (i) the date on which the Registration Statement filed with the SEC with respect to the Public Offering is withdrawn, (ii) the date on which for any reason the Underwriting Agreement is terminated (other than the provisions thereof that survive termination) prior to payment for and delivery of the Shares to be sold thereunder (other than pursuant to the Underwriters’ option thereunder to purchase additional Shares), (iii) the date on which the Company notifies the Representatives, in writing and prior to the execution of the Underwriting Agreement, that it does not intend to proceed with the Public Offering and (iv) September 30, 2025, in the event that the Underwriting Agreement has not been executed by such date (provided, however, that the Company may, by written notice to the undersigned prior to such date, extend such date by a period of up to an additional 90 days).
The undersigned understands that the Company and the Underwriters are relying upon this Lock-Up Agreement in proceeding toward consummation of the Public Offering. The undersigned further understands that this Lock-Up Agreement is irrevocable and shall be binding upon the undersigned’s heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to enter into this Lock-Up Agreement. This Lock-Up Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to principles of conflict of laws that would result in the application of any law other than the laws of the State of New York. This Lock-Up Agreement may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with the U.S. federal ESIGN Act of 2000, e.g., www.docusign.com or www.echosign.com) or other transmission method, and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly and validly delivered and be valid and effective for all purposes.
Very truly yours,
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[Signature Page to Lock-Up Agreement]
Exhibit 3.1
FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
(Pursuant to Sections 242 and 245 of the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware)
Firefly Aerospace Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “General Corporation Law”), certifies as follows:
1. The name of this corporation is Firefly Aerospace Inc. The Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on January 27, 2017, under the name EOS Launcher, Inc., and was amended and restated by the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 23, 2017, and an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Firefly Aerospace Inc. was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on June 25, 2025.
2. The Board of Directors of this corporation duly adopted resolutions proposing to further amend and restate the Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation, declaring said amendment and restatement to be advisable and in the best interests of this corporation and its stockholders, and authorizing the appropriate officers of this corporation to solicit the consent of the stockholders therefor, which resolution setting forth the proposed amendment and restatement is as follows:
RESOLVED, that the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of this corporation be further amended and restated in its entirety to read as set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
3. Exhibit A referred to above is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is hereby incorporated herein by this reference. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was approved by the holders of the requisite number of shares of this corporation in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law.
4. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which restates and integrates and further amends the provisions of this corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation, has been duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of this corporation on August 8, 2025.
| By: | /s/ David Wheeler | |
| Name: | David Wheeler | |
| Title: | Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
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EXHIBIT A
FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
ARTICLE ONE
The name of the corporation is Firefly Aerospace Inc. (the “Corporation”).
ARTICLE TWO
The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 131 Continental Drive, Suite 305, Newark, DE 19713, County of New Castle. The name of its registered agent at such address is LegalInc Corporate Services Inc.
ARTICLE THREE
The nature and purpose of the business of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”).
ARTICLE FOUR
Section 1. Authorized Shares. The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 1,100,000,000 shares, consisting of two classes as follows:
| (a) | 100,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”); and |
| (b) | 1,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”). |
The Preferred Stock and the Common Stock shall have the designations, rights, powers, and preferences and the qualifications, restrictions, and limitations thereof, if any, set forth below.
Section 2. Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) is authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by law, to provide, by resolution or resolutions for the issuance of shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and with respect to each series, to establish the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the voting powers (if any), designations, powers, preferences, privileges and relative, participating, optional, or other special rights, if any, of the shares of each such series, and any qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, and liquidation preferences, any or all of which may be greater than the rights of the Common Stock. The powers (including voting powers), preferences, and relative, participating, optional, and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock and the qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, the number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then-outstanding) by the approval of the Board and by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in an election of directors, without the separate vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock as a class, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation shall be governed by Section 242(d) of the DGCL.
Section 3. Common Stock.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by the DGCL or this Certificate of Incorporation (as it may be amended from time to time, including pursuant to any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock, the “Certificate”) and subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding, all of the voting power of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be vested in the holders of the Common Stock.
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Each share of Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote for each share held by such holder on all matters voted upon by the stockholders of the Corporation; provided, however, that, except as otherwise required by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall not be entitled to vote on any amendment to this Certificate (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Certificate (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.
(b) Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding and to the other provisions of applicable law and this Certificate, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive equally, on a per share basis, such dividends in cash, securities, or other property of the Corporation if, as, and when declared thereon by the Board from time to time out of assets of the Corporation legally available therefor.
(c) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for payment of the Corporation’s debts and any other payments required by law and amounts payable upon outstanding shares of Preferred Stock ranking senior to the shares of Common Stock upon such dissolution, liquidation, or winding up, if any, the remaining net assets of the Corporation shall be distributed to the holders of shares of Common Stock and the holders of shares of any other class or series ranking equally with the shares of Common Stock upon such dissolution, liquidation, or winding up, equally on a per share basis. Subject to the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock then-outstanding and the other provisions of this Certificate, a merger or consolidation of the Corporation with or into any other corporation or other entity, or a sale or conveyance of all or any part of the assets of the Corporation (which shall not in fact result in the liquidation of the Corporation and the distribution of assets to its stockholders) shall not be deemed to be a voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation within the meaning of this Paragraph (c).
(d) No holder of shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to preemptive or subscription rights. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not restrict the Company from entering into an agreement providing for preemptive or subscription rights.
ARTICLE FIVE
Section 1. Board of Directors. Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board.
Section 2. Number of Directors. Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding to elect additional directors under specified circumstances or otherwise, the number of directors which shall constitute the Board shall initially be nine and, thereafter, shall be fixed from time to time exclusively by resolution of the Board; provided that, before the Trigger Date, the size of the Board of Directors may also be fixed by the holders of a majority of the voting power present or represented by proxy at a duly convened meeting of stockholders or by a consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.
Section 3. Classes of Directors. The directors of the Corporation, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, designated Class I, Class II, and Class III.
Section 4. Election and Term of Office. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding, the directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. The term of office of the initial Class I directors shall expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders following the date the Common Stock is first publicly traded (the “IPO Date”), the term of office of the initial Class II directors shall expire at the second annual meeting of stockholders after the IPO Date, and the term of office of the initial Class III directors shall expire at the third annual meeting of the stockholders after the IPO Date. At each annual meeting of stockholders after the IPO Date, directors elected to replace those of a class whose terms expire at such annual meeting shall be elected to hold office until the third succeeding annual meeting after their election and until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. Each such director shall hold office until the annual meeting of stockholders for the year in which such director’s term expires and a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal.
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Nothing in this Certificate shall preclude a director from serving consecutive terms. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the Bylaws of the Corporation (as amended and/or restated, the “Bylaws”) shall so provide.
Section 5. Newly-Created Directorships and Vacancies. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal from office, or any other cause may be filled only by resolution of a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and may not be filled in any other manner; provided that, before the Trigger Date, vacant and newly created directorships may also be filled by a plurality vote of the stockholders entitled to vote thereon at a duly convened meeting of stockholders or by a consent of a majority in voting power of the stock entitled to vote thereon in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL. A director elected or appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal. A director elected or appointed to fill a position resulting from an increase in the number of directors shall hold office until the next election of the class for which such director shall have been elected or appointed and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal. Notwithstanding the foregoing, before the Trigger Date, a director appointed to a vacant or newly created directorship by directors shall serve for a term expiring at the earlier of (i) first annual meeting following his or her appointment as a director and (ii) a special meeting called for the purposes of enabling the stockholders to elect a successor to the nominee appointed by directors to fill the vacant or new directorship. No decrease in the authorized number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
Section 6. Removal and Resignation of Directors. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Certificate, (i) prior to the Trigger Date, directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of stockholders representing at least a majority of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote thereon, voting together as a single class, and (ii) on and after the Trigger Date, directors may only be removed for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of stockholders representing at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of Voting Stock. Any director may resign at any time upon notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Corporation.
Section 7. Rights of Holders of Preferred Stock. Notwithstanding the provisions of this ARTICLE FIVE, whenever the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock shall have the right, voting separately or together by series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, filling of vacancies, and other features of such directorship shall be subject to the rights of such series of Preferred Stock. During any period when the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or together with one or more series, have the right to elect additional directors, then upon commencement and for the duration of the period during which such right continues (i) the then otherwise total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be increased by such specified number of directors, and the holders of such Preferred Stock shall be entitled to elect the additional directors so provided for or fixed pursuant to said provisions, and (ii) each such additional director shall serve until such director’s successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until such director’s right to hold such office terminates pursuant to said provisions, whichever occurs earlier, subject to his or her earlier death, resignation, disqualification, or removal. Except as otherwise provided by the Board in the resolution or resolutions establishing such series, whenever the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having such right to elect additional directors are divested of such right pursuant to the provisions of such stock, the terms of office of all such additional directors elected by the holders of such stock, or elected to fill any vacancies resulting from the death, resignation, disqualification, or removal of such additional directors, shall forthwith terminate (in which case each such director thereupon shall cease to be qualified as, and shall cease to be, a director), and the total authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall automatically be reduced accordingly.
Section 8. Advance Notice. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws.
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Section 9. Definitions. For purposes of this Certificate:
(a) “AE Industrial Partners” means AE Industrial Partners, LP.
(b) “Affiliated Companies” shall mean (A) in respect of AE Industrial Partners, any entity that controls, is controlled by, or under common control with AE Industrial Partners (other than the Corporation and any company that is controlled by the Corporation) and any investment funds managed or advised by AE Industrial Partners, and (B) in respect of the Corporation, any entity controlled by the Corporation.
(c) “Investor Group” means AE Industrial Partners and its Affiliated Companies, together with each other stockholder of the Corporation party to that certain Director Nomination Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Corporation, certain Affiliated Companies of AE Industrial Partners, and the other stockholders party thereto, and the permitted successors and assignees of such stockholders.
(d) “Trigger Date” means the first date on which the Investor Group ceases to beneficially own in the aggregate (directly or indirectly) 40% or more of the voting power of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock.
(e) “Voting Stock” means the capital stock of the Corporation then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
ARTICLE SIX
Section 1. Limitation of Liability.
(a) To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, no director or officer of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages arising from a breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer.
(b) Any amendment, repeal, or modification of the foregoing paragraph shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such amendment, repeal, or modification with respect to any act, omission, or other matter occurring prior to such amendment, repeal, or modification. Solely for purposes of Section 1(a) and 1(b) of this ARTICLE SIX, “officer” has the meaning provided in Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL.
ARTICLE SEVEN
Section 1. Action by Consent. Prior to the first date (the “Stockholder Consent Trigger Date”) on which the Investor Group ceases to beneficially own in the aggregate (directly or indirectly) at least 35% of the voting power of the then outstanding Voting Stock, any action which is required or permitted to be taken by the Corporation’s stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of the Corporation’s stock entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. On and after the Stockholder Consent Trigger Date, any action required or permitted to be taken by the Corporation’s stockholders may be taken only at a duly called annual or special meeting of the Corporation’s stockholders and the power of stockholders to act by consent without a meeting is specifically denied; provided, however, that any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice, and without a vote, to the extent expressly so provided in the resolutions creating such series of Preferred Stock.
Section 2. Special Meetings of Stockholders. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding and to the requirements of applicable law, special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called only (i) by or at the direction of the Board or the Chair of the Board pursuant to a written resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority of the total number of directors that the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies, and (ii) prior to the Stockholder Consent Trigger Date, by the Chair of the Board at the request of AE Industrial Partners in the manner provided for in the Bylaws. Any business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of the meeting.
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ARTICLE EIGHT
Section 1. Certain Acknowledgments. It is hereby acknowledged that:
(a) (i) certain of the directors, partners, principals, officers, members, managers, employees, operating partners, and/or contractors of AE Industrial Partners or its Affiliated Companies (as defined below) may serve as directors or officers of the Corporation, (ii) AE Industrial Partners and its Affiliated Companies engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, and (iii) the Corporation and its Affiliated Companies may engage in material business transactions with AE Industrial Partners and its Affiliated Companies, and the Corporation is expected to benefit therefrom,
(b) the provisions of this ARTICLE EIGHT are set forth to regulate and define the conduct of certain affairs of the Corporation as they may involve AE Industrial Partners and/or its Affiliated Companies and/or their respective directors, partners, principals, officers, members, managers, employees, operating partners, and/or contractors, including any of the foregoing who serve as officers or directors of the Corporation (AE Industrial Partners and/or its Affiliated Companies and all such other persons each an “Exempted Person” and collectively, the “Exempted Persons”);
(c) this ARTICLE EIGHT constitutes the renunciation of corporate opportunities pursuant to Section 122(17) of the DGCL, which authorizes a corporation to renounce specified classes and categories of business opportunities;
(d) the Official Synopsis for the Act of the Delaware General Assembly enacting Section 122(17) states that “the classes or categories of business opportunities may be specified by any manner of defining or delineating business opportunities … including, without limitation, by … identity of the originator of the business opportunity, identity of the party or parties to or having an interest in the business opportunity, and identity of the recipient of the business opportunity”; and
(e) as a result of the renunciations set forth in this ARTICLE EIGHT, (i) each Exempt Person will rely on this Article in declining to communicate or offer a business opportunity to the Company or any of its subsidiaries unless Section 3 of this Article applies to such person; (ii) an Exempt Person will rely on this Article to retain or exploit such business opportunity for itself or for the benefit of persons or entities other than the Corporation and its subsidiaries; and (iii) AE Industrial Partners has approved an initial public offering of the stock of the Corporation in reliance on the adoption of this Article.
Section 2. Renunciation of Corporate Opportunities. To the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, but subject to Section 3 of this Article, the Corporation hereby renounces any interest or expectancy in, or being offered an opportunity to participate in, any and all business opportunities: (a) originated or acquired by an Exempt Person; (b) in which the Exempt Person has an interest; or (c) that is received from any person or entity by an Exempt Person. The business opportunities renounced under this paragraph include any actual or potential investment or business opportunity or prospective economic advantage in which the Corporation could, but for this paragraph, have an interest or expectancy (including, without limitation, acquisitions, dispositions, business combinations, financings or investment opportunities), whether or not such opportunities are in the same or similar lines of business in which the Corporation is engaged or intends to engage.
Section 3. Excluded Opportunities. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this ARTICLE EIGHT, but subject to Section 4 of this Article, the Corporation does not renounce any business opportunity (a) expressly offered to a person in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation; (b) offered to, or acquired by, a person while he or she is a full-time employee of the Corporation; or (c) that has been developed using the confidential information of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.
Section 4. Certain Matters Deemed Not Corporate Opportunities. In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this ARTICLE EIGHT, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to belong to the Corporation if it is a business opportunity the Corporation is not financially able, contractually permitted or legally able to undertake, or that is, from its nature, not in the line of the Corporation’s business or is of no practical advantage to it, or that is one in which the Corporation has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
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Section 5. Amendment of this Article. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary elsewhere contained in this Certificate, subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding, and in addition to any vote required by applicable law, the affirmative vote of AE Industrial Partners, so long as AE Industrial Partners and/or its Affiliated Companies continues to beneficially own any outstanding shares of Voting Stock, shall be required to alter, amend, or repeal, or to adopt any provision inconsistent with, this ARTICLE EIGHT; provided, however, that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, neither the alteration, amendment, or repeal of this ARTICLE EIGHT nor the adoption of any provision of this Certificate inconsistent with this ARTICLE EIGHT shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of any Exempted Person for or with respect to any activities or opportunities which such Exempted Person becomes aware of prior to such alteration, amendment, repeal, or adoption.
Section 6. Deemed Notice. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in any shares of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this ARTICLE EIGHT.
ARTICLE NINE
Section 1. Section 203 of the DGCL. The Corporation expressly elects not to be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL.
Section 2. Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Certificate to the contrary, the Corporation shall not engage in any Business Combination (as defined hereinafter), at any point in time at which the Common Stock is registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), with any Interested Stockholder (as defined hereinafter) for a period of three years following the time that such stockholder became an Interested Stockholder, unless:
(a) prior to such time the Board approved either the Business Combination or the transaction which resulted in such stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder;
(b) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in such stockholder becoming an Interested Stockholder, such stockholder owned at least 85% of the Voting Stock of the Corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the Voting Stock outstanding (but not the outstanding Voting Stock owned by such Interested Stockholder) those shares owned (i) by Persons (as defined hereinafter) who are directors and also officers of the Corporation, and (ii) employee stock plans of the Corporation in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or
(c) at or subsequent to such time, the Business Combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding Voting Stock which is not owned by such Interested Stockholder.
Section 3. Exceptions to Prohibition on Interested Stockholder Transactions. The restrictions contained in this ARTICLE NINE shall not apply if:
(a) a stockholder becomes an Interested Stockholder inadvertently and (i) as soon as practicable divests itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the stockholder ceases to be an Interested Stockholder, and (ii) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a Business Combination between the Corporation and such stockholder, have been an Interested Stockholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership; or
(b) the Business Combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment of and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or the notice required hereunder of a proposed transaction which (i) constitutes one of the transactions described in the second sentence of this Section 3(b) of ARTICLE NINE, (ii) is with or by a Person who either was not an Interested Stockholder during the previous three years or who became an Interested Stockholder with the approval of the Board, and (iii) is approved or not opposed by a majority of the directors then in office (but not less than one) who were directors prior to any Person becoming an Interested Stockholder during the previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such directors.
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The proposed transactions referred to in the preceding sentence are limited to: (x) a merger or consolidation of the Corporation (except for a merger in respect of which, pursuant to Section 251(f) of the DGCL, no vote of the stockholders of the Corporation is required); (y) a sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation (other than to any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary or to the Corporation) having an aggregate market value equal to 50% or more of either that aggregate market value of all of the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding Stock (as defined hereinafter) of the Corporation; or (z) a proposed tender or exchange offer for 50% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Corporation. The Corporation shall give not less than 20 days’ notice to all Interested Stockholders prior to the consummation of any of the transactions described in clause (x) or (y) of the second sentence of this Section 3(b) of ARTICLE TEN.
Section 4. Definitions. As used in this ARTICLE NINE only, and unless otherwise provided by the express terms of this ARTICLE NINE, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as set forth in this Section 4 and, to the extent such terms are defined elsewhere in this Certificate, such definitions shall not apply to this ARTICLE NINE:
(a) “Affiliate” means a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, another Person;
(b) “Associate,” when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means (i) any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity of which such Person is a director, officer, or general partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of Voting Stock, (ii) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, and (iii) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same residence as such Person;
(c) “Business Combination” means:
(i) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation (other than a merger effected pursuant to Sections 253 or 267 of the DGCL) or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation with (A) the Interested Stockholder, or (B) any other corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or entity if the merger or consolidation is caused by the Interested Stockholder and as a result of such merger or consolidation Section 2 of this ARTICLE NINE is not applicable to the surviving entity;
(ii) any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation, to or with the Interested Stockholder, whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of the Corporation or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which assets have an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate market value of all the assets of the Corporation determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding Stock of the Corporation;
(iii) any transaction which results in the issuance or transfer by the Corporation or by any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation of any Stock of the Corporation or of such subsidiary to the Interested Stockholder, except (A) pursuant to the exercise, exchange, or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for, or convertible into Stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which securities were outstanding prior to the time that the Interested Stockholder became such, (B) pursuant to a merger under Sections 251(g), 253 or 267 of the DGCL, (C) pursuant to a dividend or distribution paid or made, or the exercise, exchange, or conversion of securities exercisable for, exchangeable for, or convertible into Stock of the Corporation or any such subsidiary which security is distributed, pro rata to all holders of a class or series of Stock of the Corporation subsequent to the time the Interested Stockholder became such, (D) pursuant to an exchange offer by the Corporation to purchase Stock made on the same terms to all holders of such Stock, or (E) any issuance or transfer of Stock by the Corporation; provided, however, that in no case under items (C)-(E) of this Section 4(c)(iii) of ARTICLE NINE shall there be an increase in the Interested Stockholder’s proportionate share of the Stock of any class or series of the Corporation or of the Voting Stock of the Corporation;
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(iv) any transaction involving the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of increasing the proportionate share of the Stock of any class or series, or securities convertible into the Stock of any class or series, of the Corporation or of any such subsidiary which is owned by the Interested Stockholder, except as a result of immaterial changes due to fractional share adjustments or as a result of any purchase or redemption of any shares of Stock not caused, directly or indirectly, by the Interested Stockholder; or
(v) any receipt by the Interested Stockholder of the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder of the Corporation), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges, or other financial benefits (other than those expressly permitted in Sections 4(c)(i)-(iv) of ARTICLE TEN) provided by or through the Corporation or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation;
(d) “control,” including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with,” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by contract or otherwise. A Person who is the owner of 20% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of any corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity shall be presumed to have control of such entity, in the absence of proof by a preponderance of the evidence to the contrary; notwithstanding the foregoing, a presumption of control shall not apply where such Person holds Voting Stock, in good faith and not for the purpose of circumventing this ARTICLE NINE, as an agent, bank, broker, nominee, custodian, or trustee for one or more owners who do not individually or as a group (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (“Rule 13d-5”), as such Rule 13d-5 is in effect as of the date of this Certificate) have control of such entity;
(e) “Interested Stockholder” means any Person (other than the Corporation and any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of the Corporation) that (i) is the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Corporation, or (ii) is an Affiliate or Associate of the Corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Corporation at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to the date on which it is sought to be determined whether such Person is an Interested Stockholder, and the affiliates and associates of such Person. Notwithstanding anything in this ARTICLE NINE to the contrary, the term “Interested Stockholder” shall not include: (x) AE Industrial Partners or any of its Affiliated Companies, or any other Person with whom any of the foregoing are acting as a group or in concert for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting, or disposing of shares of Stock of the Corporation; (y) any Person who would otherwise be an Interested Stockholder either in connection with or because of a transfer, sale, assignment, conveyance, hypothecation, encumbrance, or other disposition of 5% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Corporation (in one transaction or a series of transactions) by AE Industrial Partners or any of its affiliates or associates to such Person; provided, however, that such Person was not an Interested Stockholder prior to such transfer, sale, assignment, conveyance, hypothecation, encumbrance, or other disposition; or (z) any Person whose ownership of shares in excess of the 15% limitation set forth herein is the result of action taken solely by the Corporation, provided that, for purposes of this clause (z) only, such Person shall be an Interested Stockholder if thereafter such Person acquires additional shares of Voting Stock of the Corporation, except as a result of further action by the Corporation not caused, directly or indirectly, by such Person; provided, that, for the purpose of determining whether a Person is an Interested Stockholder, the Voting Stock of the Corporation deemed to be outstanding shall include Stock deemed to be owned by the Person through application of this definition of “owned” but shall not include any other unissued Stock of the Corporation which may be issuable pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants, or options, or otherwise;
(f) “owner,” including the terms “own” and “owned,” when used with respect to any Stock, means a Person that individually or with or through any of its Affiliates or Associates beneficially owns such Stock, directly or indirectly; or has (A) the right to acquire such Stock (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, or options, or otherwise; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the owner of Stock tendered pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made by such Person or any of such Person’s Affiliates or Associates until such tendered Stock is accepted for purchase or exchange, (B) the right to vote such Stock pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding; provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the owner of any Stock because of such Person’s right to vote such Stock if the agreement, arrangement, or understanding to vote such Stock arises solely from a revocable proxy or consent given in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more Persons, or (C) has any agreement, arrangement, or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent as described in (B) of this Section 4(f) of ARTICLE TEN), or disposing of such Stock with any other Person that beneficially owns, or whose affiliates or associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, such Stock;
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(g) “Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, unincorporated association, or other entity;
(h) “Stock” means, with respect to any corporation, any capital stock of such corporation and, with respect to any other entity, any equity interest of such entity; and
(i) “Voting Stock” means, with respect to any corporation, Stock of any class or series entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, and, with respect to any entity that is not a corporation, any equity interest entitled to vote generally in the election of the governing body of such entity. Every reference to a percentage of Voting Stock shall refer to such percentage of the votes of such Voting Stock.
ARTICLE TEN
Section 1. Amendments to the Bylaws. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding, in furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by law, prior to the Trigger Date, the Bylaws may be amended, altered, or repealed and new bylaws made by (i) the Board, or (ii) in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required herein (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock) and any other vote otherwise required by applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class. On and after the Trigger Date, the Bylaws may be amended, altered, or repealed and new bylaws made by (i) the Board, or (ii) in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of capital stock of the Corporation required herein (including any certificate of designation relating to any series of Preferred Stock), the Bylaws or applicable law, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of the then-outstanding Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.
Section 2. Amendments to this Certificate. Subject to the rights of holders of any series of Preferred Stock then-outstanding, and in addition to any other vote required by law or this Certificate, no provision of ARTICLE FIVE, ARTICLE SIX, ARTICLE SEVEN, ARTICLE EIGHT, ARTICLE TEN, or ARTICLE ELEVEN of this Certificate may be altered, amended, or repealed in any respect, nor may any provision of this Certificate or the Bylaws inconsistent therewith be adopted, unless (i) prior to the Trigger Date, such alteration, amendment, repeal, or adoption is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class, and (ii) on and after the Trigger Date, such alteration, amendment, repeal, or adoption is approved by the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66 2/3% of the voting power of all outstanding shares of Voting Stock, voting together as a single class.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
Section 1. Exclusive Forum. Unless this Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee, or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, the Certificate or the Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, this provision, including for any “derivative action,” will not apply to suits to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Exchange Act, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction.
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Unless this Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for resolutions of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act.
Section 2. Notice. Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation (including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock) shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this ARTICLE ELEVEN.
ARTICLE TWELVE
If any provision or provisions of this Certificate shall be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality, and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Certificate (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Certificate containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable) shall not, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of applying this Certificate to any contract authorized by Section 122(18) of the DGCL, a restriction, prohibition, or covenant in any such contract that relates to any specified action shall not be deemed contrary to this Certificate by reason of a provision of the Certificate that authorizes or empowers, or exclusively authorizes or empowers, the Board of Directors (or any 1 or more directors) to take such action.
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Exhibit 3.2
BYLAWS
OF
FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.
A Delaware corporation
(Adopted as of August 8, 2025)
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. Offices. Firefly Aerospace Inc. (the “Corporation”) may have an office or offices other than its registered office at such place or places, either within or outside the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be as stated in the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation as then in effect (as amended, restated, modified, and/or supplemented from time to time, including any certificate of designation relating to any series of preferred stock, the “Certificate of Incorporation”).
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Place of Meetings. The Board may designate a place, if any, either within or outside the State of Delaware, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting of stockholders. The Board may, in its sole discretion, determine that meetings of stockholders shall not be held at any place, but may in addition to or instead be held solely by means of remote communication (including virtually) in accordance with Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”).
Section 2. Annual Meeting. An annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held at such date and time as is specified by resolution of the Board. At the annual meeting, stockholders shall elect directors to succeed those whose terms expire at such annual meeting and transact such other business as properly may be brought before the annual meeting pursuant to Section 11 of this ARTICLE II of these bylaws (as amended, restated, modified, and/or supplemented from time to time, these “Bylaws”). The Board may postpone, reschedule, or cancel any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board.
Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the stockholders may only be called in the manner provided in the Certificate of Incorporation and may be held at such place, if any, either within or without the State of Delaware, and at such time and date as the Board or the Chair of the Board (the “Chair”) or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation (the “Chief Executive Officer”) shall determine and state in the notice of such meeting. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the purposes stated in the notice. The Board may postpone, reschedule, or cancel any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled by the Board; provided that prior to the Trigger Date (as defined in the Certificate of Incorporation) any special meeting called at the request of the Principal Stockholder or any Principal Stockholder Affiliate may not be postponed, rescheduled, or canceled without the consent of the Principal Stockholder or such Principal Stockholder Affiliate, as the case may be, at whose request the meeting was originally called.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings. Whenever stockholders are required or permitted to take action at a meeting, notice of the meeting, which shall state the place, if any, date, and time of the meeting of the stockholders, the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders not physically present may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given, not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the date on which the meeting is to be held, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law (meaning, here and hereinafter, as required from time to time by the DGCL) or the Certificate of Incorporation.
(a) Form of Notice. All such notices shall be delivered in writing or by electronic transmission in the manner provided in Section 232 of the DGCL, or in any other manner permitted by the DGCL. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the stockholder at his, her, or its address as the same appears on the records of the Corporation. If delivered by courier service, notice shall be deemed given at the earlier of when the notice is received or left at such stockholder’s address as the same appears on the records of the Corporation. If given by electronic mail, notice shall be deemed given when directed to such stockholder’s electronic mail address unless the stockholder has notified the Corporation in writing or by electronic transmission of an objection to receiving notice by electronic mail or such notice is prohibited by the DGCL. Notice to stockholders may also be given by other forms of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder. If given by facsimile telecommunication, such notice shall be deemed given when directed to a number at which the stockholder has consented to receive notice by facsimile. If given by a posting on an electronic network together with separate notice to the stockholder of such specific posting, such notice shall be deemed given upon the later of: (A) such posting; and (B) the giving of such separate notice. If notice is given by any other form of electronic transmission, such notice shall be deemed given when directed to the stockholder. An affidavit of the secretary of the Corporation (the “Secretary”) or an assistant secretary of the Corporation (the “Assistant Secretary”), the transfer agent of the Corporation (the “Transfer Agent”), or any other agent of the Corporation that the notice has been given shall, in the absence of fraud, be prima facie evidence of the facts stated therein.
(b) Waiver of Notice. Whenever notice is required to be given under any provisions of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a written waiver thereof, signed by the stockholder entitled to notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission given by the stockholder entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting. Attendance of a stockholder of the Corporation at a meeting of such stockholders shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the stockholder attends for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and does not further participate in the meeting.
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Section 5. List of Stockholders. The Corporation shall prepare, at least 10 days before each meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting; provided, however, if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than 10 days before the meeting date, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the 10th day before the meeting date, arranged in alphabetical order and showing the address of each such stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each such stockholder. Nothing contained in this section shall require the Corporation to include electronic mail addresses or other electronic contact information on such list. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least 10 days prior to the meeting: (A) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting; or (B) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, the list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. Except as otherwise provided by law, the list shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the list of stockholders required by this Section 5 or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
Section 6. Quorum. The holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws. If a quorum is not present, the chair of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the voting power present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote at the meeting may adjourn the meeting to another time and/or place from time to time until a quorum shall be present in person or represented by proxy. When a specified item of business requires a vote by a class or series (if the Corporation shall then have outstanding shares of more than one class or series) voting as a separate class or series, the holders of a majority in voting power of the outstanding stock of such class or series shall constitute a quorum (as to such class or series) for the transaction of such item of business. A quorum once established at a meeting shall not be broken by the withdrawal of enough votes to leave less than a quorum.
Section 7. Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of stockholders, annual or special, may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place (including an adjournment taken to address a technical failure to convene or continue a meeting using remote communication), notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time, place, if any, thereof, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such adjourned meeting are (i) announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, (ii) displayed, during the time scheduled for the meeting, on the same electronic network used to enable stockholders and proxy holders to participate in the meeting by means of remote communication or (iii) set forth in the notice of meeting given in accordance with these Bylaws.
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At the adjourned meeting the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 30 days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting in accordance with these Bylaws, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date fixed for notice of such adjourned meeting.
Section 8. Vote Required. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then-outstanding, when a quorum has been established, all matters other than the election of directors shall be determined by the affirmative vote of the majority of voting power of capital stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter, unless by express provisions of the DGCL or other applicable law, the rules of any stock exchange upon which the Corporation’s securities are listed, any regulation applicable to the Corporation or its securities, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws a minimum or different vote is required, in which case such minimum or different vote shall be the required vote for such matter. Except as otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast.
Section 9. Voting Rights. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then-outstanding, except as otherwise provided by the DGCL or the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders shall be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of capital stock held by such stockholder which has voting power upon the matter in question. Voting at meetings of stockholders need not be by written ballot.
Section 10. Proxies. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent to corporate action without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. A duly executed proxy shall be irrevocable if it states that it is irrevocable and if, and only as long as, it is coupled with an interest sufficient in law to support an irrevocable power. A proxy may be made irrevocable regardless of whether the interest with which it is coupled is an interest in the stock itself or an interest in the Corporation generally.
Section 11. Advance Notice of Stockholder Business and Director Nominations.
(a) Nominations of Directors and Other Business at Annual Meetings of Stockholders.
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(i) Only such business, including nominations of persons for election to the Board, shall be conducted at an annual meeting of the stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting: (A) as specified in the notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board or any duly authorized committee thereof; (B) by or at the direction of the Board or any duly authorized committee thereof; or (C) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (1) was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in Section 11(a)(iii) of this ARTICLE II, on the record date for determination of stockholders of the Corporation entitled to vote at the meeting, and at the time of the annual meeting, (2) at the time of the meeting, is entitled to vote at the meeting, and (3) complies with the notice procedures set forth in Section 11(a) of this ARTICLE II. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing clause (C) of this Section 11(a)(i) of ARTICLE II shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or propose such business (other than business included in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or nominations or business brought by AE Industrial Partners, LP (the “Principal Stockholder”) and any entity that controls, is controlled by, or under common control with the Principal Stockholder (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), and any investment vehicles or funds managed or controlled, directly or indirectly, by or otherwise affiliated with the Principal Stockholder (the “Principal Stockholder Affiliates”) at any time prior to the Advance Notice Trigger Date (as defined herein)) before an annual meeting of stockholders.
(ii) For nominations or other business (other than nominations or other business brought by the Principal Stockholder and/or Principal Stockholder Affiliates at any time prior to the date when the Principal Stockholder and Principal Stockholder Affiliates cease to beneficially own in the aggregate (directly or indirectly) at least 10% of the voting power of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Advance Notice Trigger Date”)) to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder (any such stockholder of record, as required by Sections 11(a)(i) of this ARTICLE II, proposing business or nominating persons for election to the Board at a meeting of stockholders, the “Noticing Stockholder”), the Noticing Stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form as described in Section 11(a)(iii) of this ARTICLE II to the Secretary; any such proposed business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board must be a proper matter for stockholder action; and the Noticing Stockholder and any other stockholder, if any, on whose behalf the business is being proposed or the nomination is being made (collectively with the Noticing Stockholder, the “Holders” and each a “Holder”) must have acted in accordance with the representations set forth in the Solicitation Statement (as defined in Section 11(a)(iii) of this ARTICLE II) required by these Bylaws and otherwise complied with the requirements with respect to such nominations or business set forth in this ARTICLE II of these Bylaws.
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To be timely, a stockholder’s notice for such nominations or other business (other than such a notice by the Principal Stockholder and/or Principal Stockholder Affiliates prior to the Advance Notice Trigger Date, which may be delivered at any time prior to the mailing of the definitive proxy statement pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act related to the next annual meeting of stockholders) must be delivered by hand and received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation in proper written form not less than 90 days and not more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders (which date shall, for purposes of the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders after its shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 (“Common Stock”), are first publicly traded, be deemed to have occurred on August 7, 2025); provided, however, that if and only if the annual meeting is not scheduled to be held within a period that commences 30 days before such anniversary date and ends 70 days after such anniversary date, or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year (other than for purposes of the Corporation’s first annual meeting of stockholders after its shares of Common Stock are first publicly traded), such stockholder’s notice must be delivered not earlier than the 120th day prior to the date of such annual meeting and by the later of: (A) the 10th day following the day the Public Announcement (as defined in Section 11(i) of this ARTICLE II) of the date of the annual meeting is first made; or (B) the date which is 90 days prior to the date of the annual meeting. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Notices delivered pursuant to Section 11(a) of this ARTICLE II will be deemed received on any given day only if received prior to the Close of Business (as defined in Section 11(i) of this ARTICLE II) on such day (and otherwise shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day (as defined in Section 11(i) of this ARTICLE II)).
(iii) To be in proper written form, a Noticing Stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth:
(A) as to any business that the Noticing Stockholder (as defined below) proposes to bring before the meeting:
(1) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting;
(2) the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting;
(3) a description of any direct or indirect material interest of any Party or Stockholder Associated Person of such Party in such business (whether by holdings of securities, or by virtue of being a creditor or contractual counterparty of the Corporation or of a third party, or otherwise);
(4) the text of the proposal or business (including the specific text of any resolutions or actions proposed for consideration and if such business includes a proposal to amend the Bylaws, the specific language of the proposed amendment), which business must be a proper subject for stockholder action; and
(5) a description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by the Noticing Stockholder;
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(B) as to each Holder:
(1) the name, age, citizenship, and address of the Noticing Stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and, if different from the Corporation’s books, the name and address of the Noticing Stockholder;
(2) the name, age, citizenship, and address of such Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder;
(3) as of the date of the notice (which information, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be updated and supplemented pursuant to Section 11(d)):
a. the class or series and number of shares of stock of the Corporation which are directly or indirectly held of record or beneficially owned by such Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder (provided that, for the purposes of this Section 11(a)(iii)(B)(3), any such person shall in all events be deemed to beneficially own any shares of stock of the Corporation as to which such person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership at any time in the future (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time or the fulfillment of a condition or both)),
b. a description of all agreements, arrangements or understandings between such Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder, on the one hand, and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons), on the other hand, in connection with such proposal of business and/or nomination, excluding engagements with financial, legal, strategic or other advisors in the ordinary course of business;
c. a description of any Derivative Instrument (as defined in Section 11(i) of this ARTICLE II) directly or indirectly held or beneficially held by such Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder;
d. whether and to the extent to which a Hedging Transaction (as defined in Section 11(i) of this ARTICLE II) has been entered into by or on behalf of such Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder; e. a description of any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding, or relationship pursuant to which each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder has any right to vote or has granted a right to vote any shares of stock or any other security of the Corporation;
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f. a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to any rights to dividends or payments in lieu of dividends on the shares of the Corporation owned beneficially by each Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder that are separated or separable pursuant to such agreement, arraignment or understanding from the underlying shares of stock or other security of the Corporation;
g. any direct or indirect legal, economic or financial interest (including Short Interest) of each Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, of such Holder in the outcome of any (x) vote to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation or (y) any meeting of stockholders of any other entity with respect to any matter that is related, directly or indirectly, to any nomination or business proposed by any Holder under these Bylaws; and
h. any material pending or threatened action, suit, or proceeding (whether civil, criminal, investigative, administrative, or otherwise) in which any Holder or any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder is, or is reasonably expected to be made, a party or material participant involving the Corporation or any of its officers, directors or employees, or any Affiliate of the Corporation, or any officer, director or employee of such Affiliate (the information required by this subclause (3) shall be referred to as the “Specified Information”); provided, however, that the Specified Information shall not include any such disclosures with respect to the ordinary course business activities of any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee who otherwise would be required to disclose Specified Information hereunder solely as a result of being the stockholder directed to prepare and submit the notice required by this Section 11(a) on behalf of a beneficial owner; (4) a representation by the Noticing Stockholder that such stockholder is a stockholder of record of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting on the nominations or other business proposed, that the Noticing Stockholder will continue to be a stockholder of record of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting on the matter proposed through the date of such meeting and that such Noticing Stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at such meeting to make such nominations or propose such business;
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(5) all information that would be required to be set forth in a Schedule 13D filed pursuant to Rule 13d-1(a) or an amendment pursuant to Rule 13d-2(a) if such a statement were required to be filed under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by each Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, of such Holder;
(6) any other information relating to each Holder and each Stockholder Associated Person, if any, of such Holder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement and form of proxy or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(7) a representation by the Noticing Stockholder as to whether any Holder and/or any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder intends or is part of a group which intends (A) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock required to elect the proposed nominee or approve or adopt the other business being proposed and/or (B) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such nomination or other business;
(8) in connection with a nomination for any persons for election as director, a representation by the Noticing Stockholder whether any Holder intends, or is part of a group which intends, (x) to deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s outstanding shares of capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee and/or (y) otherwise to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination; and, if applicable, (z) to solicit proxies in support of any proposed nominee in accordance with Rule 14a-19 promulgated under the Exchange Act;
(9) a certification by the Noticing Stockholder that each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder has complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with its acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and/or such person’s acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation; (10) the information and statement required by Rule 14a-19(b) of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision);
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(11) to the extent known after reasonable investigation, the names and addresses of other stockholders (including beneficial owners) known by any Holder or Related Person of such Holder to provide financial or otherwise material support with respect to such proposal(s) or nomination(s) (it being understood that delivery of a revocable proxy with respect to such proposal or nomination shall not in itself require disclosure under this subclause (11)) and, to the extent known, the class and number of all shares of the Corporation’s capital stock owned beneficially or of record by such other stockholder(s) or other beneficial owner(s); and
(12) a representation by the Noticing Stockholder as to the accuracy of the information set forth in the notice.
(C) as to each person whom the Noticing Stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director:
(1) the name, age, citizenship and address (business and residential) of such person;
(2) a complete biography and statement of such person’s qualifications, including the principal occupation or employment of such person (at present and for the past five years);
(3) the Specified Information for such person as if such person were a Holder (except that no disclosure will be required hereunder with respect to any Stockholder Associated Person of any proposed nominee unless such Stockholder Associated Person is also a Stockholder Associated Person of any Holder);
(4) a complete and accurate description of all agreements, arrangements and understandings between each Holder and any Stockholder Associated Person of such Holder, on the one hand, and such person, on the other hand, (at present and for the past three years) including, without limitation, a complete and accurate description of all direct and indirect compensation and other monetary agreements, arrangements and understandings at present and for the past three years between the person and such parties (including all biographical, related party transaction and other information that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to the federal and state securities laws, including Rule 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K (“Regulation S-K”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) (or any successor provision), if any Holder or such Stockholder Associated Person were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and such person were a director or executive officer of such registrant);
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(5) any other information relating to such person that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or any other filings required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election or that is otherwise required pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14 of the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in proxy statements as a proposed nominee of the Noticing Stockholder and to serving as a director if elected); and
(6) a completed and signed questionnaire, representation and agreement and any and all other information required by Section 11(d) of ARTICLE II.
In addition, any Noticing Stockholder who submits a notice pursuant to Section 11(a) of this ARTICLE II is required to update and supplement the information disclosed in such notice, if necessary, in accordance with Section 11(c) of this ARTICLE II.
(iv) Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted or nominations made at an annual meeting except in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 11(a) of this ARTICLE II.
(v) Notwithstanding anything in Section 11(a)(ii) of this ARTICLE II to the contrary, if the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased effective after the time period for which nominations would otherwise be due under Section 11(a)(ii) of this ARTICLE II and there is no Public Announcement naming the nominees for additional directorships at least 10 days prior to the last day a stockholder may deliver a notice of nomination in accordance with Section 11(a)(ii) of this ARTICLE II, a stockholder’s notice required by Section 11(a)(ii) of this ARTICLE II shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for the additional directorships, if it shall be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the Close of Business on the 10th day following the day on which such Public Announcement is first made by the Corporation.
(b) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the notice of meeting. Only persons who are nominated in accordance and compliance with the procedures set forth in this Section 11(b) of ARTICLE II shall be eligible for election to the Board at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected.
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Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected pursuant to the notice of meeting only: (i) by or at the direction of the Board, any duly authorized committee thereof, or stockholders (if stockholders are permitted to call a special meeting of stockholders pursuant to Section 2 of ARTICLE EIGHT of the Certificate of Incorporation); or (ii) provided that the Board or stockholders (if stockholders are permitted to call a special meeting of stockholders pursuant to Section 2 of ARTICLE EIGHT of the Certificate of Incorporation) has determined that directors are to be elected at such special meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who: (A) was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in this Section 11(b) of ARTICLE II, and at the time of the special meeting; (B) is entitled to vote at the meeting; and (C) complies with the notice procedures provided for in this Section 11(b) of ARTICLE II. For nominations to be properly brought by a stockholder at a special meeting of stockholders, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form as described in this Section 11(b) of ARTICLE II to the Secretary. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice for the nomination of persons for election to the Board (other than such a notice by the Principal Stockholder and/or Principal Stockholder Affiliates prior to the Advance Notice Trigger Date, which may be delivered at any time prior to the mailing of the definitive proxy statement pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act related to the special meeting of stockholders) must be received by the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the 120th day prior to such special meeting and not later than the Close of Business on the later of the 90th day prior to such special meeting or the 10th day following the day on which a Public Announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of a special meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period (or extend any time period) for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Notices delivered pursuant to this Section 11(b) of ARTICLE II will be deemed received on any given day if received prior to the Close of Business on such day (and otherwise, on the next succeeding day). To be in proper written form, such stockholder’s notice shall set forth all of the information required by, and otherwise be in compliance with, Section 11(a)(iii) of this ARTICLE II. In addition, any stockholder who submits a notice pursuant to this Section 11(b) of ARTICLE II is required to update and supplement the information disclosed in such notice, if necessary, in accordance with Section 11(c) of this ARTICLE II and shall comply with Section 11(e) of this ARTICLE II. The number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the special meeting (or in the case of a stockholder giving the notice on behalf of a beneficial owner, the number of nominees a stockholder may nominate for election at the special meeting on behalf of such beneficial owner) shall not exceed the number of directors to be elected at such special meeting.
(c) Update and Supplement of Stockholder’s Notice. Any stockholder who submits a notice of proposal for business or nomination for election pursuant to this Section 11 of ARTICLE II is required to update and supplement the information disclosed in such notice, if necessary, so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for the meeting of stockholders and as of the date that is 10 Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof, and such update and supplement shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five Business Days after the record date for the meeting of stockholders in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of the record date, and not later than eight Business Days prior to the date for the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof in the case of the update and supplement required to be made as of 10 Business Days prior to the meeting of stockholders or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof.
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In addition, if the Noticing Stockholder has delivered to the Corporation a notice relating to the nomination of directors, the Noticing Stockholder shall deliver to the Corporation not later than eight Business Days prior to the date of the meeting or any adjournment, recess, rescheduling or postponement thereof (or, if not practicable, on the first practicable date prior to the date to which the annual meeting has been adjourned or postponed) reasonable evidence that it has complied with the requirements of Rule 14a-19 of the Exchange Act (or any successor provision). For the avoidance of doubt, the obligation to update and supplement set forth in this paragraph or any other Section of these Bylaws shall not limit the Corporation’s rights with respect to any deficiencies in any notice provided by a stockholder, extend any applicable deadlines hereunder or enable or be deemed to permit a stockholder who has previously submitted notice hereunder to amend or update any proposal or to submit any new proposal, including by changing or adding nominees, matters, business and/or resolutions proposed to be brought before a meeting of the stockholders.
(d) Submission of Questionnaire, Representation, and Agreement. To be qualified to be a nominee for election or re-election as a director of the Corporation, a person must deliver (in the case of a person nominated by a stockholder in accordance with Sections 11(a) or 11(b) of this ARTICLE II, in accordance with the time periods prescribed for delivery of notice under such sections) to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation a written questionnaire with respect to the background and qualification of such person and the background of any other person or entity on whose behalf the nomination is being made (which questionnaire shall be provided by the Secretary upon written request of any stockholder of record identified by name within five Business Days of such written request) and a written representation and agreement (in the form provided by the Secretary upon written request of any stockholder of record identified by name within five Business Days of such written request) that such person: (i) is not and will not become a party to: (A) any agreement, arrangement, or understanding (whether written or oral) with, and has not given any commitment or assurance to, any person or entity as to how such person, if elected as a director of the Corporation, will act or vote on any issue or question (a “Voting Commitment”) that has not been disclosed to the Corporation; or (B) any Voting Commitment that could limit or interfere with such person’s ability to comply, if elected as a director of the Corporation, with such person’s fiduciary duties under applicable law; (ii) is not and will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement, or understanding with any person or entity other than the Corporation with respect to any direct or indirect compensation, reimbursement, or indemnification in connection with service or action as a director that has not been disclosed to the Corporation; and (iii) would be in compliance, and if elected as a director of the Corporation will comply, with all applicable publicly disclosed corporate governance, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and stock ownership and trading policies and guidelines of the Corporation that are publicly available.
(e) Update and Supplement of Nominee Information. The Corporation may also, as a condition to any such nomination or business being deemed properly brought before an annual meeting of stockholders, require any Holder or any proposed nominee to deliver to the Secretary, within five Business Days of any such request, such other information as may reasonably be requested by the Corporation, including: (i) such other information as may be reasonably required by the Board, in its sole discretion, to determine whether such proposed nominee is eligible under the Certificate of Incorporation, these Bylaws, the rules or regulations of any stock exchange applicable to the Corporation, or any law or regulation applicable to the Corporation to serve as a director of the Corporation; and (ii) such other information that the Board determines, in its sole discretion, could be material to a reasonable stockholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee.
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(f) Authority of Chair; General Provisions. Except as otherwise provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws and subject to the supervision of the Board, the chair of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether any nomination or other business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or brought in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Bylaws (including whether the stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made or solicited (or is part of a group which solicited) or did not so solicit, as the case may be, proxies or votes in support of such stockholder’s nominee or proposal in compliance with such stockholder’s representation as required by Section 11(a)(iii)(B)(8) of this ARTICLE II) and, if any nomination or other business is not made or brought in compliance with these Bylaws, to declare that such nomination or proposal of other business be disregarded and not acted upon.
(g) Compliance with Exchange Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of these Bylaws, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules, regulations, and schedules promulgated thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in these Bylaws; provided, however, that any references in these Bylaws to the Exchange Act or the rules, regulations, and schedules promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit the requirements applicable to any nomination or other business to be considered pursuant to Section 11 of this ARTICLE II.
(h) Effect on Other Rights. Nothing in these Bylaws shall be deemed to: (A) affect any rights of the stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation’s proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act; (B) confer upon any stockholder a right to have a nominee or any proposed business included in the Corporation’s proxy statement, except as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws; (C) affect any rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation; or (D) limit the exercise, the method, or timing of the exercise of the rights of any person granted by the Corporation to nominate directors (including pursuant to that Director Nomination Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2025 (as amended and/or restated or supplemented from time to time, the “Director Nomination Agreement”)), by and among the Corporation and the investors named therein, which rights may be exercised without compliance with the provisions of Section 11 of this ARTICLE II.
(i) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 11 of ARTICLE II, the term:
(i) “Affiliate” has the meaning attributed to such term in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act;
(ii) “Associate” has the meaning attributed to such term in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act; (iii) “Business Day” shall mean each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in Cedar Park, TX or New York, NY are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close;
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(iv) “Close of Business” shall mean 5:00 p.m. local time at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, and if an applicable deadline falls on the Close of Business on a day that is not a Business Day, then the applicable deadline shall be deemed to be the Close of Business on the immediately preceding Business Day;
(v) “Derivative Instrument” means any short position, profits interest, option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right, or similar right with an exercise or conversion privilege or a settlement payment or mechanism at a price related to any class or series of shares of the Corporation or with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, or any derivative or synthetic arrangement having the characteristics of a long position in any class or series of shares of the Corporation, or any contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions designed to produce economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, including due to the fact that the value of such contract, derivative, swap or other transaction or series of transactions is determined by reference to the price, value or volatility of any class or series of shares of the Corporation, whether or not such instrument, contract or right shall be subject to settlement in the underlying class or series of shares of the Corporation, through the delivery of cash or other property, or otherwise, and without regard to whether the stockholder and any Stockholder Related Person may have entered into transactions that hedge or mitigate the economic effect of such instrument, contract or right, or any other direct or indirect opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of shares of the Corporation;
(vi) “Hedging Transaction” means, with respect to a stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person, any hedging or other transaction (such as borrowed or loaned shares) or series of transactions, or any other agreement, arrangement, or understanding, the effect or intent of which is to increase or decrease the voting power or economic or pecuniary interest of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to the Corporation’s securities;
(vii) “Public Announcement” means disclosure (a) in a press release released by the Corporation, provided such press release is released by the Corporation following its customary procedures, as reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press, Business Wire, PR Newswire or a comparable news service, or is generally available on internet news sites, or (b) in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
(viii) “Stockholder Associated Person” means, with respect to any Holder:
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(A) any participant (as defined in paragraphs (a)(ii)-(vi) of Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Schedule 14A, or any successor instructions) with such Holder in a solicitation of proxies in respect of any business or director nomination proposed by such stockholder;
(B) any Affiliate or Associate of such Holder; and
(C) any person who is a member of a “group” (as such term is used in Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act (or any successor provision)) with such Holder; and
(ix) “Short Interest” means any agreement, arrangement, understanding relationship or otherwise, including any repurchase or similar so-called “stock borrowing” agreement or arrangement, involving any stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person, the purpose or effect of which is to mitigate loss to, reduce the economic risk (of ownership or otherwise) or any class or series of the shares of the Corporation by, manage the risk of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person with respect to any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation, or which provides, directly or indirectly, the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from any decrease in the price or value of any class or series of the shares or other securities of the Corporation; and
(x) For purposes of these Bylaws, the words “include,” “includes” or “including” is deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Where a reference in these Bylaws is made to any statue or regulation, such reference shall be to (1) the statute or regulation as amended from time to time (except as context may otherwise require) and (2) any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.
Section 12. Requirement to Appear. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 11, if the stockholder that has provided timely notice of a nomination or item of business in accordance with Section 11 (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present such nomination or item of business, such proposed business shall not be transacted and such nomination shall be disregarded, notwithstanding that such proposed business or such nomination is set forth in the notice of meeting or other proxy materials and notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of these Bylaws, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.
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Section 13. Fixing a Record Date for Stockholder Meetings. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than 60 days nor less than 10 days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is first given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting in conformity herewith; and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 13 of ARTICLE II at the adjourned meeting.
Section 14. Action by Stockholders Without a Meeting. So long as stockholders of the Corporation have the right to act by written consent in accordance with Section 1 of ARTICLE SEVEN of the Certificate of Incorporation, the following provisions shall apply:
(a) Record Date. For the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action without a meeting as may be permitted by the Certificate of Incorporation or the certificate of designation relating to any outstanding class or series of preferred stock, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall not be more than 10 (or the maximum number permitted by applicable law) days after the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. Any stockholder of record seeking to have the stockholders authorize or take action by consent in lieu of a meeting shall, by written notice delivered to the Secretary at the Corporation’s principal place of business during regular business hours, request that the Board fix a record date, which notice shall include the text of any proposed resolutions. Notices delivered pursuant to this Section 14(a) of ARTICLE II will be deemed received on any given day only if received prior to the close of business on such day (and otherwise, shall be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day). The Board shall promptly, but in all events within 10 days after the date on which such written notice is properly delivered to and deemed received by the Secretary, adopt a resolution fixing the record date (unless a record date has previously been fixed by the Board pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 14(a) of ARTICLE II). If no record date has been fixed by the Board pursuant to this Section 14(a) or otherwise within 10 days of receipt of a valid request by a stockholder, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board is required pursuant to applicable law, shall be the first date after the expiration of such 10 day time period on which a signed consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation pursuant to Section 14(b) of this ARTICLE II; provided, however, that if prior action by the Board is required by applicable law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action without a meeting shall in such an event be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.
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(b) Generally. No consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to take such action are delivered to the Corporation, in the manner required by this Section 14 of ARTICLE II, within 60 (or the maximum number permitted by applicable law) days of the first date on which a consent is delivered to the Corporation in the manner required by applicable law. The validity of any consent executed by a proxy for a stockholder pursuant to an electronic transmission transmitted to such proxy holder by or upon the authorization of the stockholder shall be determined by or at the direction of the Secretary. A written record of the information upon which the person making such determination relied shall be made and kept in the records of the proceedings of the stockholders. Any such consent shall be inserted in the minute book as if it were the minutes of a meeting of stockholders. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous consent shall be given by the Corporation (at its expense) to those stockholders who have not consented and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation.
Section 15. Conduct of Meetings.
(a) Generally. Meetings of stockholders shall be presided over by the Chair, if any, or in the Chair’s absence or disability, by the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”), or in the CEO’s absence or disability, by the President of the Corporation (the “President”), or in the President’s absence or disability, by a Vice President of the Corporation (the “Vice President”) (in the order as determined by the Board), or in the absence or disability of the foregoing persons by a director or officer designated by the Board, or in the absence or disability of such person, by a chair chosen at the meeting. The Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting, but in the Secretary’s absence or disability, the chair of the meeting may appoint any person to act as secretary of the meeting.
(b) Rules, Regulations, and Procedures. The Board may adopt by resolution such rules, regulations, and procedures for the conduct of any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation as it shall deem appropriate including, without limitation, such guidelines and procedures as it may deem appropriate regarding the participation by means of remote communication of stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting. Except to the extent inconsistent with such rules, regulations, and procedures as adopted by the Board, the chair of any meeting of stockholders shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations, and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chair, are appropriate for the proper conduct of the meeting. Such rules, regulations, or procedures, whether adopted by the Board or prescribed by the chair of the meeting, may include, without limitation, the following: (i) the establishment of an agenda or order of business for the meeting; (ii) rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present; (iii) limitations on attendance at or participation in the meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation, their duly authorized and constituted proxies, or such other persons as the chair of the meeting shall determine; (iv) restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof; (v) limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants; and (vi) restrictions on the use of mobile phones, audio or video recording devices, and similar devices at the meeting. The chair of the meeting of stockholders, in addition to making any other determinations that may be appropriate to the conduct of the meeting, shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that a nomination or matter or business was not properly brought before the meeting and if such chair should so determine, such chair shall so declare to the meeting and any such matter or business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted or considered.
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Unless and to the extent determined by the Board or the chair of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with the rules of parliamentary procedure. The chair of the meeting shall announce at the meeting when the polls for each matter to be voted upon at the meeting will be opened and closed. After the polls close, no ballots, proxies, or votes or any revocations or changes thereto may be accepted. The chair of the meeting shall have the power, right, and authority, for any or no reason, to convene, recess, and/or adjourn any meeting of stockholders.
(c) Inspectors of Elections. The Corporation may, and to the extent required by law shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more inspectors of election to act at the meeting and make a written report thereof. One or more other persons may be designated as alternate inspectors to replace any inspector who fails to act. If no inspector or alternate is able to act at a meeting of stockholders, the chair of the meeting shall appoint one or more inspectors to act at the meeting. Unless otherwise required by law, inspectors may be officers, employees, or agents of the Corporation. No person who is a candidate for an office at an election may serve as an inspector at such election. Each inspector, before entering upon the discharge of such inspector’s duties, shall take and sign an oath faithfully to execute the duties of inspector with strict impartiality and according to the best of such inspector’s ability. The inspector shall have the duties prescribed by law and, when the vote is completed, shall make a certificate of the result of the vote taken and of such other facts as may be required by law.
Section 16. Remote Communication. If authorized by the Board in its sole discretion, and subject to such guidelines and procedures as the Board may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication:
(a) participate in a meeting of stockholders; and
(b) be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote communication;
provided that
(c) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder;
(d) the Corporation shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders, including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently with such proceedings; and
(e) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be maintained by the Corporation.
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ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Powers. Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board.
Section 2. Regular Meetings and Special Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board may be held without notice at such time and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board and publicized among all directors. Special meetings of the Board may be called by: (i) the Chair, if any; (ii) by the Secretary upon the written request of a majority of the directors then in office; or (iii) if the Board then includes a director nominated or designated for nomination by the Principal Stockholder or any Principal Stockholder Affiliate, by any director so nominated or designated, and in each case shall be held at the place, if any, on the date and at the time as he, she, or they shall fix. Any and all business may be transacted at a special meeting of the Board.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings. Notice of regular meetings of the Board need not be given except as otherwise required by law or these Bylaws. Notice of each special meeting of the Board, and of each regular and annual meeting of the Board for which notice is required, shall be given by the Secretary as hereinafter provided in Section 4 of this ARTICLE III. Such notice shall state the date, time, and place, if any, of the meeting. Notice of any special meeting, and of any regular or annual meeting for which notice is required, shall be given to each director at least: (A) 24 hours before the meeting if by telephone or by being personally delivered or sent by overnight courier, telecopy, electronic transmission, email, or similar means; or (B) five days before the meeting if delivered by mail to the director’s residence or usual place of business. Such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail so addressed, with postage prepaid, or when transmitted if sent by telex, telecopy, electronic transmission, email, or similar means. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any special meeting of the Board need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.
Section 4. Waiver of Notice. Any director may waive notice of any meeting of directors by a writing signed by the director or by electronic transmission. Any member of the Board or any committee thereof who is present at a meeting shall have waived notice of such meeting except when such member attends for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and does not further participate in the meeting. Such member shall be conclusively presumed to have assented to any action taken unless his or her dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless his or her written dissent to such action shall be filed with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall be forwarded by registered mail to the Secretary immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to any member who voted in favor of such action.
Section 5. Chair of the Board, Quorum, Required Vote, and Adjournment. The Board may elect the Chair. The Chair must be a director and may be an officer of the Corporation. Subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and the direction of the Board, he, she, or they shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the position of Chair or which are delegated to him or her by the Board, preside at all meetings of the stockholders and Board at which he or she is present and have such powers and perform such duties as the Board may from time to time prescribe.
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If the Chair is not present at a meeting of the Board, the CEO (if the CEO is a director and is not also the Chair) shall preside at such meeting, and, if the CEO is not present at such meeting, a majority of the directors present at such meeting shall elect one of the directors present at the meeting to so preside. At all meetings of the Board, a majority of the directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, provided, however, that a quorum shall never be less than one-third the total number of directors. Unless by express provision of an applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, or these Bylaws a different vote is required, the vote of a majority of directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. At any meeting of the Board, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board may from time to time determine. If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board, the directors present thereat may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.
Section 6. Committees.
(a) The Board may designate one or more committees, including an executive committee, consisting of one or more of the directors of the Corporation, and any committees required by the rules and regulations of such exchange as any securities of the Corporation are listed. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. Except to the extent restricted by applicable law or the Certificate of Incorporation, each such committee, to the extent provided by the DGCL and in the resolution creating it, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board. Each such committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board upon request.
(b) Each committee of the Board may fix its own rules of procedure and shall hold its meetings as provided by such rules, except as may otherwise be provided by a resolution of the Board designating such committee. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, the presence of at least a majority of the members of the committee shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. All matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Unless otherwise provided in such a resolution, in the event that a member and that member’s alternate, if alternates are designated by the Board, of such committee is or are absent or disqualified, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in place of any such absent or disqualified member.
Section 7. Action by Written Consent. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or such committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission. After the action is taken, the consent or consents relating thereto shall be filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee in the same paper form or electronic form as the minutes are maintained.
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Section 8. Compensation. The Board shall have the authority to fix the compensation, including fees, reimbursement of expenses, and equity compensation, of directors for services to the Corporation in any capacity, including for attendance of meetings of the Board or participation on any committees. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
Section 9. Reliance on Books and Records. A member of the Board, or a member of any committee designated by the Board, shall, in the performance of such member’s duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports, or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporation’s officers or employees, or committees of the Board, or by any other person as to matters the member reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 10. Telephonic and Other Meetings. Unless restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, any one or more members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of the Board or such committee by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at a meeting.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. Number and Election. Subject to the authority of the CEO to appoint officers as set forth in Section 11 of this ARTICLE IV, the officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board and may consist of a CEO, a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, a Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), a Treasurer (the “Treasurer”), and such other officers and assistant officers as may be deemed necessary or desirable by the Board. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. In its discretion, the Board may choose not to fill any office for any period as it may deem advisable.
Section 2. Term of Office. Each officer shall hold office until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal as hereinafter provided.
Section 3. Removal. Any officer or agent of the Corporation may be removed with or without cause by the Board, a duly authorized committee thereof or by such officers as may be designated by a resolution of the Board, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. Any officer appointed by the CEO in accordance with Section 11 of this ARTICLE IV may also be removed by the CEO in his or her sole discretion.
Section 4. Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise may be filled by the Board or the CEO in accordance with Section 11 of this ARTICLE IV.
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Section 5. Compensation. Compensation of all executive officers shall be approved by the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof, and no officer shall be prevented from receiving such compensation by virtue of his or her also being a director of the Corporation.
Section 6. Chief Executive Officer. The CEO shall have the powers and perform the duties incident to that position. The CEO shall, in the absence of the Chair, or if a Chair shall not have been elected, preside at each meeting of (a) the Board if the CEO is a director and (b) the stockholders. Subject to the powers of the Board and the Chair, the CEO shall be in general and active charge of the entire business and affairs of the Corporation and shall be its chief policy-making officer. The CEO shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board or provided in these Bylaws. The CEO is authorized to execute bonds, mortgages, and other contracts requiring a seal under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. Whenever the President is unable to serve, by reason of sickness, absence, or otherwise, the CEO shall perform all the duties and responsibilities and exercise all the powers of the President.
Section 7. President. The President of the Corporation shall, subject to the powers of the Board, the Chair, and the CEO, have general charge of the business, affairs, and property of the Corporation, and, in the absence of the CEO, control over its officers, agents, and employees. The President shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. The President is authorized, in the absence of the CEO, to execute bonds, mortgages, and other contracts requiring a seal under the seal of the Corporation, except where required or permitted by law to be otherwise signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board to some other officer or agent of the Corporation. The President shall, in the absence of the CEO, act with all of the powers and be subject to all of the restrictions of the CEO. The President shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Chair, the CEO, the Board, or as may be provided in these Bylaws or otherwise are incident to the position of President.
Section 8. Vice Presidents. The Vice President, or if there shall be more than one, the Vice Presidents, in the order determined by the Board or the Chair, shall, perform such duties and have such powers as the Board, the Chair, the CEO, the President, or these Bylaws may, from time to time, prescribe or which otherwise are incident to the position of Vice President. The Vice Presidents may also be designated as Executive Vice Presidents or Senior Vice Presidents, as the Board may from time to time prescribe.
Section 9. Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Board (other than executive sessions thereof) and all meetings of the stockholders and record all the proceedings of the meetings in a book or books to be kept for that purpose or shall ensure that his or her designee attends each such meeting to act in such capacity. Under the Board’s supervision, the Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, all notices required to be given by these Bylaws or by law; shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board, the Chair, the CEO, the President, or these Bylaws may, from time to time, prescribe or which otherwise are incident to the position of Secretary; and shall have custody of the corporate seal of the Corporation. The Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary, shall have authority to affix the corporate seal to any instrument requiring it and when so affixed, it may be attested by his or her signature or by the signature of such Assistant Secretary.
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The Board may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature. The Assistant Secretary, or if there be more than one, any of the Assistant Secretaries, shall in the absence or disability of the Secretary, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board, the Chair, the CEO, the President, or Secretary may, from time to time, prescribe.
Section 10. Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The CFO shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities; shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation as shall be necessary or desirable in accordance with applicable law or generally accepted accounting principles; shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Corporation as may be ordered by the Chair or the Board; shall receive, and give receipts for, moneys due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever; shall cause the funds of the Corporation to be disbursed when such disbursements have been duly authorized, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements; and shall render to the Board, at its regular meeting or when the Board so requires, an account of the financial condition and operations of the Corporation; shall have such powers and perform such duties as the Board, the Chair, the CEO, the President, or these Bylaws may, from time to time, prescribe or which otherwise are incident to the position of CFO. The Treasurer shall in the absence or disability of the CFO, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the CFO, subject to the power of the Board. The Treasurer, if any, shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board may, from time to time, prescribe.
Section 11. Appointed Officers. In addition to officers designated by the Board in accordance with this ARTICLE IV, the CEO shall have the authority to appoint other officers below the level of Board appointed Vice President as the CEO may from time to time deem expedient and may designate for such officers titles that appropriately reflect their positions and responsibilities. Such appointed officers shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the CEO or the senior officer to whom they report, consistent with corporate policies. An appointed officer shall serve until the earlier of such officer’s resignation or such officer’s removal by the CEO or the Board at any time, either with or without cause.
Section 12. Other Officers, Assistant Officers, and Agents. Officers, assistant officers, and agents, if any, other than those whose duties are provided for in these Bylaws, shall have such authority and perform such duties as may from time to time be prescribed by resolution of the Board and, to the extent not so provided, as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the control of the Board.
Section 13. Officers’ Bonds or Other Security. If required by the Board, any officer of the Corporation shall give a bond or other security for the faithful performance of such officer’s duties, in such amount and with such surety as the Board may require.
Section 14. Delegation of Authority. The Board may by resolution delegate the powers and duties of such officer to any other officer or to any director, or to any other person whom it may select.
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ARTICLE V
CERTIFICATES OF STOCK
Section 1. Form. The shares of stock of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board may provide by resolution that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. If shares are represented by certificates, the certificates shall be in such form as required by applicable law and as determined by the Board. Each certificate shall certify the number of shares owned by such holder in the Corporation and shall be signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by two authorized officers of the Corporation including, but not limited to, the Chair (if an officer), the CEO, the President, a Vice President, the CFO, the Treasurer, the Secretary, and an Assistant Secretary. Any or all signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed, or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used on, any such certificate or certificates shall cease to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar of the Corporation whether because of death, resignation, or otherwise before such certificate or certificates have been issued by the Corporation, such certificate or certificates may nevertheless be issued as though the person or persons who signed such certificate or certificates or whose facsimile signature or signatures have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar of the Corporation at the date of issue. All certificates for shares shall be consecutively numbered or otherwise identified. The Board may appoint a bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof to act as its transfer agent, registrar, or both in connection with the transfer of any class or series of securities of the Corporation. The Corporation, or its designated transfer agent or other agent, shall keep a book or set of books to be known as the stock transfer books of the Corporation, containing the name of each holder of record, together with such holder’s address and the number and class or series of shares held by such holder and the date of issue. When shares are represented by certificates, the Corporation shall issue and deliver to each holder to whom such shares have been issued or transferred, certificates representing the shares owned by such holder, and shares of stock of the Corporation shall only be transferred on the books of the Corporation by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, upon surrender to the Corporation or its designated transfer agent or other agent of the certificate or certificates for such shares endorsed by the appropriate person or persons, with such evidence of the authenticity of such endorsement, transfer, authorization, and other matters as the Corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps. In that event, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate or certificates, and record the transaction on its books. When shares are not represented by certificates, shares of stock of the Corporation shall only be transferred on the books of the Corporation by the holder of record thereof or by such holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, with such evidence of the authenticity of such transfer, authorization, and other matters as the Corporation may reasonably require, and accompanied by all necessary stock transfer stamps, and within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of such shares, the Corporation shall, if required by applicable law, send the holder to whom such shares have been issued or transferred a written statement of the information required by applicable law. Unless otherwise provided by applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws, or any other instrument, the rights and obligations of the holders of uncertificated stock, and the rights and obligations of the holders of certificates representing stock of the same class and series shall be identical.
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Section 2. Lost Certificates. The Corporation may issue or direct a new certificate or certificates or uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates previously issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the owner of the lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates or uncertificated shares, the Corporation may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his or her legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct, sufficient to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft, or destruction of any such certificate or the issuance of such new certificate or uncertificated shares.
Section 3. Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its records as the owner of shares of stock to receive dividends, to vote, to receive notifications, and otherwise to exercise all the rights and powers of an owner, except as otherwise required by applicable law. The Corporation shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares of stock on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Section 4. Fixing a Record Date for Purposes Other Than Stockholder Meetings or Actions by Written Consent. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend, other distribution or allotment, or any rights, or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion, or exchange of stock, or for the purposes of any other lawful action (other than stockholder meetings and stockholder consents which are expressly governed by Sections 12, 13, and 14 of ARTICLE II hereof), the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than 60 days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
ARTICLE VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Dividends. Subject to and in accordance with applicable law, the Certificate of Incorporation and any certificate of designation relating to any series of preferred stock, dividends upon the shares of capital stock of the Corporation may be declared and paid by the Board in accordance with applicable law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the Corporation’s capital stock, subject to the provisions of applicable law and the Certificate of Incorporation. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends a reserve or reserves for any proper purpose. The Board may modify or abolish any such reserves in the manner in which they were created.
Section 2. Checks, Notes, Drafts, Etc. All checks, notes, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money of the Corporation shall be signed, endorsed, or accepted in the name of the Corporation by such officer, officers, person, or persons as from time to time may be designated by the Board, or by an officer or officers authorized by the Board to make such designation.
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Section 3. Contracts. In addition to the powers otherwise granted to officers pursuant to ARTICLE IV, the Board may authorize any officer or officers, or any agent or agents, in the name and on behalf of the Corporation to enter into or execute and deliver any and all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts, and other obligations or instruments, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 4. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board.
Section 5. Corporate Seal. The Board may provide a corporate seal which shall be in the form of a circle and shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation and the words “Corporate Seal, Delaware.” The seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no seal shall be required by virtue of Section 5 of this ARTICLE VI.
Section 6. Voting Securities Owned By Corporation. Voting securities in any other corporation or entity held by the Corporation shall be voted by the Chair, CEO, the President, or the CFO, unless the Board specifically confers authority to vote with respect thereto, which authority may be general or confined to specific instances, upon some other person or officer. Any person authorized to vote securities shall have the power to appoint proxies, with general power of substitution.
Section 7. Facsimile/Electronic Signatures. In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, docusign, facsimile, and other forms of electronic signatures of any officer or director of the Corporation may be used to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
Section 8. Section Headings. Section headings in these Bylaws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be given any substantive effect in limiting or otherwise construing any provision herein.
Section 9. Inconsistent Provisions. In the event that any provision (or part thereof) of these Bylaws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, the DGCL, any other applicable law, or the Director Nomination Agreement, the provision (or part thereof) of these Bylaws shall be construed to be consistent with such other provision or provisions, and to the extent such provision may not be so construed, such provision shall be deemed amended to incorporate such other provision so as to eliminate any such inconsistency and as so amended shall be given full force and effect.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. Right to Indemnification and Advancement.
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Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved (including involvement, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, manager, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director or officer or in any other capacity while serving as a director or officer, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than permitted prior thereto), against all expense, liability, and loss (including attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, judgments, fines, excise taxes, or penalties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time (“ERISA”) and any other penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith, and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee, or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors, and administrators; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 2 of this ARTICLE VII with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification and advance of expenses (as defined herein), the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized in the specific case by the Board of the Corporation. In addition to the right to indemnification conferred herein, an indemnitee shall also have the right, to the fullest extent not prohibited by law, to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (an “advance of expenses”); provided, however, that if and to the extent that the DGCL requires, an advance of expenses shall be made only upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (an “undertaking”), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (a “final adjudication”) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses under Section 1 of this ARTICLE VII or otherwise. The Corporation may also, by action of its Board, provide indemnification and advancement to employees and agents of the Corporation. Any reference to an officer of the Corporation in this ARTICLE VII shall be deemed to refer exclusively to the Chair, CEO, President, CFO, Secretary, and Treasurer appointed pursuant to ARTICLE IV, and to any Vice President, Assistant Secretary, assistant treasurer, or other officer of the Corporation appointed by the Board pursuant to ARTICLE IV of these Bylaws, and any reference to an officer of any other enterprise shall be deemed to refer exclusively to an officer appointed by the Board or equivalent governing body of such other entity pursuant to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws or equivalent organizational documents of such other enterprise. The fact that any person who is or was an employee of the Corporation or an employee of any other enterprise has been given or has used the title of “Vice President” or any other title, including any title granted to such person by the CEO pursuant to Section 11 of ARTICLE IV, that could be construed to suggest or imply that such person is or may be an officer of the Corporation or of such other enterprise shall not result in such person being constituted as, or being deemed to be, an officer of the Corporation or of such other enterprise for purposes of this ARTICLE VII unless such person’s appointment to such office was approved by the Board pursuant to ARTICLE IV.
Section 2. Procedure for Indemnification. Any claim for indemnification or advance of expenses by an indemnitee under Section 2 of this ARTICLE VII shall be made promptly, and in any event within 45 days (or, in the case of an advance of expenses, 20 days, provided that the director or officer has delivered the undertaking contemplated by Section 1 of this ARTICLE VII if required), upon the written request of the indemnitee.
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If the Corporation denies a written request for indemnification or advance of expenses, in whole or in part, or if payment in full pursuant to such request is not made within 45 days (or, in the case of an advance of expenses, 20 days, provided that the indemnitee has delivered the undertaking contemplated by Section 1 of this ARTICLE VII if required), the right to indemnification or advances as granted by this ARTICLE VII shall be enforceable by the indemnitee in any court of competent jurisdiction. Such person’s costs and expenses incurred in connection with successfully establishing his or her right to indemnification, in whole or in part, in any such action shall also be indemnified by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for the advance of expenses where the undertaking required pursuant to Section 1 of this ARTICLE VII, if any, has been tendered to the Corporation) that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct which makes it permissible under the DGCL for the Corporation to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed, but the burden of proof shall be on the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by law. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including the Board, a committee thereof, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including the Board, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to the action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.
Section 3. Insurance. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on its own behalf and on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, administrator, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, or other enterprise against any expense, liability, or loss asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such expenses, liability, or loss under the DGCL.
Section 4. Service for Subsidiaries. Any person serving as a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, administrator, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, at least 50% of whose equity interests are owned by the Corporation (a “subsidiary” for purposes of this ARTICLE VII) shall be conclusively presumed to be serving in such capacity at the request of the Corporation.
Section 5. Reliance. Persons who after the date of the adoption of this provision become or remain directors or officers of the Corporation or who, while a director or officer of the Corporation, become or remain a director, manager, officer, employee, or agent of a subsidiary, shall be conclusively presumed to have relied on the rights to indemnity, advance of expenses, and other rights contained in this ARTICLE VII in entering into or continuing such service. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this ARTICLE VII shall apply to claims made against an indemnitee arising out of acts or omissions which occurred or occur both prior and subsequent to the adoption hereof. Any amendment, alteration, or repeal of this ARTICLE VII that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or its successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit, eliminate, or impair any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.
29
Section 6. Non-Exclusivity of Rights; Continuation of Rights of Indemnification. The rights to indemnification and to the advance of expenses conferred in this ARTICLE VII shall not be exclusive of any other right which any person may have or hereafter acquire under the Certificate of Incorporation or under any statute, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. All rights to indemnification under this ARTICLE VII shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director or officer of the Corporation who serves or served in such capacity at any time while this ARTICLE VII is in effect. Any repeal or modification of this ARTICLE VII or repeal or modification of relevant provisions of the DGCL or any other applicable laws shall not in any way diminish any rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses of such director or officer or the obligations of the Corporation arising hereunder with respect to any proceeding arising out of, or relating to, any actions, transactions, or facts occurring prior to the final adoption of such repeal or modification.
Section 7. Merger or Consolidation. For purposes of this ARTICLE VII, references to the “Corporation” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this ARTICLE VII with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he or she would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.
Section 8. Savings Clause. To the fullest extent permitted by law, if this ARTICLE VII or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify and advance expenses to each person entitled to indemnification under Section 1 of this ARTICLE VII as to all expense, liability, and loss (including attorneys’ fees and related disbursements, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes and penalties, and any other penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such person and for which indemnification and advancement of expenses is available to such person pursuant to this ARTICLE VII to the fullest extent permitted by any applicable portion of this ARTICLE VII that shall not have been invalidated.
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be amended, altered, changed, or repealed or new Bylaws adopted only in accordance with Section 1 of ARTICLE ELEVEN of the Certificate of Incorporation.
* * * * *
30
Exhibit 10.1
CREDIT AGREEMENT
CREDIT AGREEMENT
dated as of
August 8, 2025
among
FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.,
as the Borrower,
THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES PARTY HERETO,
THE LENDERS PARTY HERETO,
and
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Administrative Agent
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
and
GOLDMAN SACHS LENDING PARTNERS LLC,
as Joint Lead Arrangers
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS | 1 | |||||
| SECTION 1.01 |
Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
| SECTION 1.02 |
Classification of Loans and Borrowings | 45 | ||||
| SECTION 1.03 |
Terms Generally | 45 | ||||
| SECTION 1.04 |
Accounting Terms; GAAP | 47 | ||||
| SECTION 1.05 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 48 | ||||
| SECTION 1.06 |
Interest Rates, Benchmark Notification | 48 | ||||
| SECTION 1.07 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 48 | ||||
| SECTION 1.08 |
EBITDA | 48 | ||||
| SECTION 1.09 |
Letter of Credit Amounts | 48 | ||||
| SECTION 1.10 |
Divisions | 48 | ||||
| SECTION 1.11 |
Currency Translation | 49 | ||||
| SECTION 1.12 |
Cumulative Credit Transactions | 49 | ||||
| SECTION 1.13 |
Times of Day | 49 | ||||
| SECTION 1.14 |
Pro Forma Calculations | 49 | ||||
| SECTION 1.15 |
Rounding | 51 | ||||
| SECTION 1.16 |
Compliance with Certain Sections | 51 | ||||
| SECTION 1.17 |
Timing of Payment or Performance | 52 | ||||
| SECTION 1.18 |
Certifications | 52 | ||||
| ARTICLE II THE CREDITS | 52 | |||||
| SECTION 2.01 |
Revolving Commitments | 52 | ||||
| SECTION 2.02 |
Loans and Borrowings | 52 | ||||
| SECTION 2.03 |
Requests for Revolving Borrowings | 53 | ||||
| SECTION 2.04 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 54 | ||||
| SECTION 2.05 |
Swingline Loans | 54 | ||||
| SECTION 2.06 |
Letters of Credit | 55 | ||||
| SECTION 2.07 |
Funding of Borrowings | 59 | ||||
| SECTION 2.08 |
Interest Elections | 60 | ||||
| SECTION 2.09 |
Termination and Reduction of Commitments | 61 | ||||
| SECTION 2.10 |
Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt | 61 | ||||
| SECTION 2.11 |
Prepayment of Loans | 62 | ||||
| SECTION 2.12 |
Fees | 63 | ||||
| SECTION 2.13 |
Interest | 63 | ||||
| SECTION 2.14 |
Alternate Rate of Interest | 64 | ||||
| SECTION 2.15 |
Increased Costs | 66 | ||||
| SECTION 2.16 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 67 | ||||
| SECTION 2.17 |
Payments Free of Taxes | 67 | ||||
| SECTION 2.18 |
Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs | 70 | ||||
| SECTION 2.19 |
Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders | 73 | ||||
| SECTION 2.20 |
Defaulting Lenders | 73 | ||||
| SECTION 2.21 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 75 | ||||
| SECTION 2.22 |
Expansion Option; Incremental Facilities | 75 | ||||
| SECTION 2.23 |
Banking Services and Swap Agreements | 76 | ||||
| ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 77 | |||||
| SECTION 3.01 |
Organization; Powers | 77 | ||||
| SECTION 3.02 |
Authorization; Enforceability | 77 | ||||
| SECTION 3.03 |
Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts | 77 | ||||
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Table Of Contents
(continued)
| Page | ||||||
| SECTION 3.04 |
Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change | 77 | ||||
| SECTION 3.05 |
Properties; Intellectual Property | 78 | ||||
| SECTION 3.06 |
Litigation and Environmental Matters | 78 | ||||
| SECTION 3.07 |
Compliance with Laws and Agreements | 78 | ||||
| SECTION 3.08 |
Investment Company Status | 79 | ||||
| SECTION 3.09 |
Taxes | 79 | ||||
| SECTION 3.10 |
ERISA | 79 | ||||
| SECTION 3.11 |
Disclosure | 79 | ||||
| SECTION 3.12 |
No Default | 79 | ||||
| SECTION 3.13 |
Solvency | 79 | ||||
| SECTION 3.14 |
Insurance | 79 | ||||
| SECTION 3.15 |
Capitalization and Subsidiaries | 80 | ||||
| SECTION 3.16 |
Security Interest in Collateral | 80 | ||||
| SECTION 3.17 |
Employment Matters | 80 | ||||
| SECTION 3.18 |
Margin Regulations | 80 | ||||
| SECTION 3.19 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 80 | ||||
| SECTION 3.20 |
Anti-Corruption and Anti-Terrorism Laws and Sanctions | 80 | ||||
| SECTION 3.21 |
Federal Reserve Regulations | 81 | ||||
| ARTICLE IV CONDITIONS | 81 | |||||
| SECTION 4.01 |
Effective Date | 81 | ||||
| SECTION 4.02 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 83 | ||||
| SECTION 4.03 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 83 | ||||
| SECTION 4.04 |
Each Credit Event | 83 | ||||
| ARTICLE V AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 84 | |||||
| SECTION 5.01 |
Financial Statements and Other Information | 84 | ||||
| SECTION 5.02 |
Notices of Material Events | 85 | ||||
| SECTION 5.03 |
Existence; Conduct of Business | 86 | ||||
| SECTION 5.04 |
Payment of Taxes | 86 | ||||
| SECTION 5.05 |
Maintenance of Properties | 86 | ||||
| SECTION 5.06 |
Books and Records; Inspection Rights | 86 | ||||
| SECTION 5.07 |
Compliance with Laws | 87 | ||||
| SECTION 5.08 |
Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit | 87 | ||||
| SECTION 5.09 |
Insurance | 87 | ||||
| SECTION 5.10 |
Additional Subsidiaries | 88 | ||||
| SECTION 5.11 |
Additional Collateral; Further Assurances | 88 | ||||
| SECTION 5.12 |
Transactions with Affiliates | 90 | ||||
| SECTION 5.13 |
Post-Effective Date Covenant | 90 | ||||
| SECTION 5.14 |
Cash Management | 90 | ||||
| SECTION 5.15 |
Negative Pledge | 91 | ||||
| ARTICLE VI NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 91 | |||||
| SECTION 6.01 |
Indebtedness | 91 | ||||
| SECTION 6.02 |
Liens | 95 | ||||
| SECTION 6.03 |
Fundamental Changes | 95 | ||||
| SECTION 6.04 |
Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions | 96 | ||||
| SECTION 6.05 |
Asset Sales | 98 | ||||
| SECTION 6.06 |
Swap Agreements | 100 | ||||
| SECTION 6.07 |
Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness | 100 | ||||
| SECTION 6.08 |
[Reserved | 102 | ||||
| SECTION 6.09 |
Restrictive Agreements | 102 | ||||
| SECTION 6.10 |
Financial Condition Covenants | 103 | ||||
| SECTION 6.11 |
Amendment of Material Documents | 104 | ||||
-ii-
Table Of Contents
(continued)
| Page | ||||||
| ARTICLE VII EVENTS OF DEFAULT | 104 | |||||
| SECTION 7.01 |
Events of Default | 104 | ||||
| SECTION 7.02 |
Right to Cure | 107 | ||||
| ARTICLE VIII THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT | 108 | |||||
| SECTION 8.01 |
Authorization and Action | 108 | ||||
| SECTION 8.02 |
Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Indemnification, Etc. | 110 | ||||
| SECTION 8.03 |
Posting of Communications | 111 | ||||
| SECTION 8.04 |
The Administrative Agent Individually | 112 | ||||
| SECTION 8.05 |
Successor Administrative Agent | 112 | ||||
| SECTION 8.06 |
Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks | 114 | ||||
| SECTION 8.07 |
Collateral Matters | 115 | ||||
| SECTION 8.08 |
Credit Bidding | 116 | ||||
| SECTION 8.09 |
Certain ERISA Matters | 117 | ||||
| SECTION 8.10 |
Subordination and Intercreditor Agreements | 118 | ||||
| ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS | 119 | |||||
| SECTION 9.01 |
Notices | 119 | ||||
| SECTION 9.02 |
Waivers; Amendments | 120 | ||||
| SECTION 9.03 |
Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Damage Waiver | 123 | ||||
| SECTION 9.04 |
Successors and Assigns | 125 | ||||
| SECTION 9.05 |
Survival | 128 | ||||
| SECTION 9.06 |
Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution | 129 | ||||
| SECTION 9.07 |
Severability | 130 | ||||
| SECTION 9.08 |
Right of Setoff | 130 | ||||
| SECTION 9.09 |
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process | 130 | ||||
| SECTION 9.10 |
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 131 | ||||
| SECTION 9.11 |
Headings | 131 | ||||
| SECTION 9.12 |
Confidentiality | 131 | ||||
| SECTION 9.13 |
Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law | 132 | ||||
| SECTION 9.14 |
USA PATRIOT Act and Beneficial Ownership | 132 | ||||
| SECTION 9.15 |
Disclosure | 132 | ||||
| SECTION 9.16 |
Appointment for Perfection | 132 | ||||
| SECTION 9.17 |
Interest Rate Limitation | 133 | ||||
| SECTION 9.18 |
No Fiduciary Duty, Etc. | 133 | ||||
| SECTION 9.19 |
Net Short Lenders | 133 | ||||
| SECTION 9.20 |
Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions | 134 | ||||
| SECTION 9.21 |
Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs | 134 | ||||
| ARTICLE X LOAN GUARANTY | 135 | |||||
| SECTION 10.01 |
Guaranty | 135 | ||||
| SECTION 10.02 |
Guaranty of Payment | 135 | ||||
| SECTION 10.03 |
No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty | 135 | ||||
| SECTION 10.04 |
Defenses Waived | 136 | ||||
| SECTION 10.05 |
Rights of Subrogation | 136 | ||||
| SECTION 10.06 |
Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration | 136 | ||||
| SECTION 10.07 |
Information | 137 | ||||
| SECTION 10.08 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 137 | ||||
-iii-
Table Of Contents
(continued)
| Page | ||||||
| SECTION 10.09 |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 137 | ||||
| SECTION 10.10 |
Maximum Liability | 137 | ||||
| SECTION 10.11 |
Contribution | 137 | ||||
| SECTION 10.12 |
Liability Cumulative | 138 | ||||
| SECTION 10.13 |
Keepwell | 138 | ||||
| SECTION 10.14 |
Release of Guarantors | 138 | ||||
-iv-
CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of August 8, 2025 (as it may be amended, modified, restated, or otherwise supplemented from time to time, this “Agreement”), among FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC., a Delaware corporation, as the Borrower, the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders and Issuing Banks party hereto, and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as the Administrative Agent.
WHEREAS, the Borrower has requested that the Lenders extend credit to the Borrower in the form of a revolving credit facility (including a letter of credit subfacility) in an aggregate principal amount of $125,000,000 pursuant to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the proceeds of Borrowings hereunder will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including Permitted Acquisitions, capital expenditures, and other Investments and Restricted Payments, in each case, to the extent permitted under this Agreement).
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 1.01 Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“ABR” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, bear interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.
“Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement” means (y) any intercreditor agreement reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent or (z) any subordination agreement reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.
“Account Debtor” means any Person obligated on an Account.
“Acquisition” means any transaction or series of related transactions by the Borrower or any Subsidiaries of the Borrower resulting, directly or indirectly, in (a) the acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Person (other than an existing Subsidiary), or any business or division of any Person (other than an existing Subsidiary), (b) the acquisition of in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the stock (or other Equity Interests) with ordinary voting power of any Person (other than an existing Subsidiary), or (c) the acquisition of another Person (other than an existing Subsidiary) by a merger, amalgamation or consolidation or any other combination with such Person.
“Acquisition Consideration” shall mean the sum of the purchase price for any Permitted Acquisition payable at or prior to the closing date of such Permitted Acquisition (and which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any purchase price adjustment, royalty, earn-out, contingent payment, working capital adjustment or any other deferred payment of a similar nature).
“Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR” means an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the Daily Simple SOFR, plus (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; provided that if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Adjusted Term SOFR Rate” means for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to the Term SOFR Rate for such Interest Period; provided that if the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate as so determined would be less than the Floor, such rate shall be deemed to be equal to the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Administrative Agent” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.
“Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower or any Lender, as the context requires.
“Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.
“Agent-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.03(d).
“Aggregate Credit Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Credit Exposure of all the Lenders at such time.
“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to it in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
“Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%, and (c) the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for a one-month Interest Period as published two (2) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such day (or if such day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the immediately preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day) plus 1%, provided that, for the purpose of this definition, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for any day shall be based on the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m. Chicago time on such day (or any amended publication time for the Term SOFR Reference Rate, as specified by the CME Term SOFR Administrator in the Term SOFR Reference Rate methodology). Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, respectively. If the Alternate Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.14(b)), then the Alternate Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for purposes of this Agreement.
“Ancillary Document” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.06(b).
“Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or any Subsidiaries of the Borrower from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption, including without limitation the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended and the UK Bribery Act of 2010, as amended.
“Anti-Money Laundering Laws” means any U.S. or relevant foreign laws concerning or relating to money laundering or terrorism financing, including without limitation, the USA PATRIOT ACT, as amended, the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended, 18 U.S.C. Sections 1956 and 1957, the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing (effective September 23, 2001), and the laws administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
“Applicable Commitment Fee” means 0.375%.
“Applicable Parties” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(c).
“Applicable Percentage” means, at any time with respect to any Lender, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Commitment at such time and the denominator of which is the aggregate Commitments at such time (provided that if the Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the Aggregate Credit Exposure at such time); provided that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment shall be disregarded in the calculations above.
-2-
“Applicable Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any (i) ABR Loans, a percentage per annum equal to two percent (2.00%) and (ii) Term Benchmark Loans, a percentage per annum equal to three percent (3.00%).
“Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03(a).
“Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.04(b).
“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption agreement entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.
“Augmenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22(a).
“Availability” means an amount equal to (a) the Commitment minus (b) the Aggregate Credit Exposure (calculated, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, as if such Defaulting Lender had funded its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Borrowings).
“Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Commitments.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof), as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period for any term rate or otherwise, for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to clause (e) of Section 2.14.
“Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.
“Bail-In Legislation” means (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 ofDirective 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation, rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).
“Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates or Texas Capital Bank and/or its Affiliates: (a) ACH transactions, (b) treasury and/or cash management services, including, netting services, controlled disbursement services, depository, overdraft and electronic funds transfer services under any treasury services agreement with any such Lender or its Affiliates, (c) foreign exchange facilities, (d) deposit and other accounts, (e) commercial credit cards, merchant card services, purchase or debit cards, including non card e payables services, or electronic funds transfer services, and (f) merchant services (other than those constituting a line of credit). For the avoidance of doubt, Banking Services do not include Swap Agreement Obligations.
“Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services pursuant to a treasury services agreement with any Lender or any of its Affiliates or Texas Capital Bank and/or its Affiliates, and solely to the extent designated by the Borrower and such bank as “Banking Services Obligations” in writing to the Administrative Agent. The designation of any Bank Services Obligations shall not create in favor of such Lender or its Affiliates any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Guarantor under the Loan Documents.
-3-
“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.
“Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, such Person becomes the subject of a voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof; provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.
“Benchmark” means, initially, with respect to any (i) RFR Loan, the Daily Simple SOFR or (ii) Term Benchmark Loan, the Term SOFR Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event, and the related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the Daily Simple SOFR or Term SOFR Rate, as applicable, or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.14.
“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:
(a) the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR; or
(b) the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time in the United States and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a) or (b) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement, the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and/or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time.
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“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement and/or any Term Benchmark Revolving Loan, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “U.S. Government Securities Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Administrative Agent and the Borrower decide may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent and the Borrower determine that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent and the Borrower decide is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:
(a) in the case of clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or
(b) in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been or, if such Benchmark is a term rate, all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or component thereof) have been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be no longer representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (c) and even if such Benchmark (or component thereof) or, if such Benchmark is a term rate, any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date;
For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (a) or (b) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Transition Event” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such then-current Benchmark:
(a) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide such Benchmark (or such component thereof) or, if such Benchmark is a term rate, any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);
(b) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Federal Reserve Board, the NYFRB, the CME Term SOFR Administrator, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), in each case, which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide such Benchmark (or such component thereof) or, if such Benchmark is a term rate, all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide such Benchmark (or such component thereof) or, if such Benchmark is a term rate, any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or (c) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such Benchmark (or such component thereof) or, if such Benchmark is a term rate, all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be, representative.
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For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clause (a) or (b) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14.
“Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership or control as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
“Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.
“Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.
“Bertram Property” means the real property located at 281 CR 210, Bertram, TX 78605.
“BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate” (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.
“Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.
“Borrower” means Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Borrowing” means (a) Revolving Borrowing or (b) a Swingline Borrowing.
“Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower for a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be substantially in the form approved by the Administrative Agent and separately provided to the Borrower.
“Business Day” means any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City; provided that, in addition to the foregoing, a Business Day shall be any such day that is only a U.S. Government Securities Business Day (a) in relation to RFR Loans and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such RFR Loan, or any other dealings of such RFR Loan and (b) in relation to Loans referencing the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such Loans referencing the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or any other dealings of such Loans referencing the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate.
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“Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases or financing leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP (subject to, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 1.04).
“CFC” means a Foreign Subsidiary that is a “controlled foreign corporation” (as defined in Section 957(a) of the Code).
“Change in Control” means any person or “group” (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Effective Date), but excluding (x) any employee benefit plan of such person and its Subsidiaries and any Person or entity acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan, and (y) the Permitted Holder, shall have, directly or indirectly, acquired beneficial ownership of Equity Interests representing 40% or more of the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower and the Permitted Holder shall own, directly or indirectly, less than such person or “group” of the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Borrower; provided that a transaction will not be considered to be a Change of Control if the Borrower or any Parent Entity is acquired by one or more direct or indirect parent companies (a “Parent Entity”) so long as no person or “group” (other than a person or “group” described under clause (x) or (y) above) shall have, directly or indirectly, acquired beneficial ownership of Equity Interests representing 40% or more of the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of such Parent Entity and the Permitted Holder shall own, directly or indirectly, less than such person or “group” of the aggregate voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of such Parent Entity.
“Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement of: (a) the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender or Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall, in each case, be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented.
“Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.
“Class” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans.
“CME Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited as administrator of the forward-looking term SOFR (or a successor administrator).
“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
“Collateral” means any and all property, now existing or hereafter acquired, that may at any time be, become or be intended to be, subject to a security interest or Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and other Secured Parties pursuant to the Collateral Documents, to secure the Secured Obligations; provided that Collateral shall not include any Excluded Property.
“Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Control Account Agreements and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed pursuant to this Agreement that are intended to create, perfect or evidence Liens to secure the Secured Obligations, including, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, guarantees, subordination agreements (including any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement), whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by any Loan Party and delivered to the Administrative Agent.
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“Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the amount set forth on Schedule 2.01 opposite such Lender’s name, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a) (70) of the New York Uniform Commercial Code) as provided in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(3), pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable, and giving effect to (a) any reduction in such amount from time to time pursuant to Section 2.09, (b) any reduction or increase in such amount from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04 and (c) any increase from time to time pursuant to Section 2.22; provided that at no time shall the Credit Exposure of any Lender exceed its Commitment. The initial aggregate amount as of the Effective Date of the Lenders’ Commitments is $125,000,000.
“Commitment Fee” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a).
“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.
“Communications” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(c).
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of a Responsible Officer in substantially the form of Exhibit B.
“Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.
“Consolidated” or “consolidated” means, with reference to any term defined herein, that term as applied to the accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, consolidated in accordance with GAAP.
“Consolidated EBITDA” means, with reference to any period, Consolidated Net Income for such period plus
(a) without duplication and, except with respect to clauses (vii), (x), (xi), (xvii) and (xxii) below, to the extent deducted (and not added back or excluded) in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of the following amounts for such period with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries:
(i) total interest expense determined in accordance with GAAP (including, (A) amortization of original issue discount (“OID”) resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (B) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (C) non-cash interest payments, (D) the interest component of Capital Lease Obligations, (E) net payments, if any, pursuant to interest Swap Agreements with respect to Indebtedness, (F) amortization of deferred financing fees, debt issuance costs, commissions and fees, (G) the interest component of any pension or other post-employment benefit expense, and (H) to the extent not reflected in such total interest expense, any losses on hedging obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, net of interest income and gains on such hedging obligations, and costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities (whether amortized or immediately expensed)),
(ii) without duplication, provision for taxes based on income (or similar taxes in lieu of income taxes), profits or capital gains of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (including the amount of distributions with respect to taxes made under Section 6.07), including federal, foreign, state, local, franchise, excise, value added and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes and real estate paid or accrued during such period including penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from any tax examinations paid or accrued during such period or in respect of any repatriated funds or, to the extent reflected as a charge in the statement of such Consolidated Net Income (regardless of classification), any tax distributions made during, or with respect, such period, (iii) depreciation and amortization expense, including the amortization of deferred financing fees or costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees, and expenses, capitalized expenditures, capitalized software expenditures or costs, amortization of expenditures relating to software, license and intellectual property rights payments, amortization of any lease related assets recorded in purchase accounting, customer acquisition costs, unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses related to pensions and other post-employment benefits, the amortization of OID resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par and incentive payments, conversion costs, and contract acquisition costs of such Person and its Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP,
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(iv) (A) extraordinary, exceptional, unusual or non-recurring charges, expenses or losses or special items and (B) any losses on sales of assets outside of the ordinary course of business,
(v) any other non-cash charges, expenses or losses, including any non-cash asset retirement costs, non-cash increase in expenses resulting from the revaluation of inventory (including any impact of changes to inventory valuation policy methods including changes in capitalization of variances) or other inventory adjustments or due to purchase accounting, non-cash expense relating to the vesting of warrants, write-offs or write-downs for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period), non-cash compensation charges and non-cash translation (gain) loss,
(vi) (A) retention, recruiting, relocation, integration and signing bonuses and expenses, stock option and other equity-based compensation expenses, severance costs, stay bonuses, transaction fees and expenses and management fees and expenses, any one time expense relating to enhanced accounting function, one-time compensation charges or other transaction costs, (B) expenses, costs and fees (x) associated with becoming a standalone entity or public company and (y) implementation of operational and reporting systems and technology initiatives (including any such payments made in connection with the consummation of the Transactions), (C) severance, signing and stay bonuses and costs, management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees and expenses, transition costs, transactions fees and expenses, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring intellectual property development after the Effective Date, project start-up costs and other restructuring charges, accrual or reserves and (D) excess pension costs and costs, expenses and charges incurred in connection with curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefits plans,
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(vii) (A) integration costs, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives and other business optimization expenses and charges (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design upgrade and implementation costs) accrual, reserves or restructuring charges, and (B) the “run rate” amount of cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realizable in connection with acquisitions and dispositions of business entities or properties or assets constituting a division or line of business of any business entity (and purchases and Dispositions of intellectual property rights if pro forma treatment is elected by the Borrower in its discretion on a case by case basis), the Transactions or any Specified Transaction or the implementation of an operational initiative or operational change after the Effective Date as a result of actions taken or expected to be taken (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies were realized during the entirety of such period and such that the “run rate” means the full recurring benefit for a period that is associated with any action taken or expected to be taken (including any savings expected to result from the elimination of a public target’s compliance costs with public company requirements)), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (x) a duly completed certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent together with the Compliance Certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01, certifying that such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies are factually supportable and reasonably anticipated to be realizable, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, from actions which have been taken or are expected to be taken no later than 24 months after the consummation of the acquisition, Disposition or the implementation of an initiative (or, in the case of cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realizable in connection with actions taken prior to the Effective Date, within 24 months after the Effective Date), which is expected to result in such cost savings, expense reductions, other operating improvements or cost synergies, and (y) no cost savings, operating expense reductions and cost synergies, integration costs, costs of strategic initiatives or business optimization expenses or costs (including system design and upgrade implementation costs) and restructuring charges shall be added pursuant to this clause (vii) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA (or any component thereof), whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period,
(viii) any director’s fees and related expenses payable to any independent director of Borrower in cash during such period,
(ix) other accruals, charges, payments and expenses (including rationalization, legal, tax, structuring and other costs and expenses), or any amortization thereof, related to, or otherwise incurred in connection with, the Transactions (including all fees, premiums and expenses related thereto), acquisitions, Investments, dividends, Restricted Payments, Dispositions, or any amortization thereof, refinancings or issuances of Indebtedness or Equity Interests (whether or not permitted under the Loan Documents) or repayment of debt, issuance of equity securities, refinancing transactions or amendment, negotiation, forbearance, extension or other modification or waiver of any debt instrument (in each case, including any such transaction consummated on the Effective Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed),
(x) to the extent not already included in Consolidated Net Income, proceeds of business interruption insurance and proceeds received or reasonably expected to be received within twelve months,
(xi) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to paragraph (B) below for any previous period and not added back,
(xii) any non-cash increase in expenses (A) resulting from the revaluation of inventory (including any impact of changes to inventory valuation policy methods including changes in capitalization of variances) or other inventory adjustments (including any non-cash increase in expenses as a result of last-in first-out and/or first-in first-out methods of accounting but excluding any non-cash increase as a result of first-in-last-out methods of accounting), or (B) due to purchase accounting associated with the Transactions or any acquisition constituting an Investment permitted under this Agreement consummated prior to or after the Effective Date,
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(xiii) the amount of any expense attributable to minority interests or non-controlling interests of third parties in any non-wholly-owned Subsidiary, (xiv) the amount of (A) management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees, indemnities and related expenses paid to the Permitted Holder in accordance with the Management Agreement and (B) payments by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the Permitted Holder made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the board of directors (or analogous governing body) of the Borrower in good faith,
(xv) any Equity Funded Employee Plan Costs,
(xvi) any net loss from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations or product lines,
(xvii) adjustments (A) evidenced by or contained in a due diligence quality of earnings report prepared by an independent registered public accounting firm of nationally or regionally recognized standing or other independent registered public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (it being understood and agreed that a “big four” accounting firm, shall be deemed reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent) with respect to the target of a Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted hereunder, (B) consistent with Regulation S-X as in effect prior to January 1, 2021, or (C) set forth in the Sponsor Model,
(xviii) payments by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries paid or accrued during such period in respect of purchase price holdbacks, earn outs and other similar contingent obligations to the extent not deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness,
(xix) with respect to any joint venture that is not a Subsidiary, an amount equal to the proportion of those items described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above relating to such joint venture corresponding to the Borrower’s and the Subsidiaries’ proportionate share of such joint venture’s Consolidated Net Income (determined as if such joint venture were a Subsidiary),
(xx) [intentionally omitted]
(xxi) the amount of costs, charges and expenses relating to payments made to option holders of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower in connection with, or as a result of, any distribution being made to equityholders of such Person, which payments are being made to compensate such option holders as though they were equityholders at the time of, and entitled to share in, such distribution, in each case to the extent permitted under this Agreement,
(xxii) the amount of expenses, charges or losses that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions, in each case, by a third party, to the extent actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that a reasonable basis exists for indemnification or reimbursement and only to the extent that such amount is in fact indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365-day period),
(xxiii) the amount of cash or non-cash charges incurred by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in respect of annual catch-up pension plan payments and related expenses;
(xxiv) net increases in deferred revenue liabilities (including the current portion thereof);
(xxv) costs, expenses and charges incurred in connection with governmental investigations, environmental matters and litigation (including the settlement thereof); and (xxvi) recognized losses in cash on hedging obligations;
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provided that, for any Test Period, the foregoing adjustments set forth in clauses (a)(vi), (vii), together with similar adjustments pursuant to Section 1.14(c), (xxiv) and (xxv) shall not exceed the greater of (I) $15,000,000 and (II) 30% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated after giving effect to all addbacks and adjustments) for such Test Period (the “Combined Cap”);
minus (b) without duplication and to the extent included in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, (i) non-cash gains (excluding any non-cash gain to the extent it represents the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period) including non-cash gains as a result of last-in first-out and/or first-in first-out methods of accounting but excluding any non-cash increase as a result of first-in-last-out methods of accounting, (ii) any net gain from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations or product lines, (iii) (x) any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring net gains and (y) any gains on sales of assets outside of the ordinary course of business (cash and non-cash), (iv) net decreases in deferred revenue liabilities (including the current portion thereof), (v) recognized gains in cash on hedging obligations and (vi) the amount of any business interruption insurance proceeds added to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(x) above in a previous period to the extent not received within twelve months of determination; provided that:
(A) to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA (x) currency translation gains and losses related to currency re-measurements of Indebtedness (including the net loss or gain (i) resulting from Swap Agreements for currency exchange risk and (ii) resulting from intercompany indebtedness) and (y) all other foreign currency translation gains or losses to the extent such gains or losses are non-cash items;
(B) to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period any adjustments resulting from the application of FASB Accounting Standards Codification 815 and International Accounting Standard No. 39 and their respective related pronouncements and interpretations; and
(C) to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income, there shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period any income (loss) for such period attributable to the early extinguishment of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) obligations under any Swap Agreements or (iii) other derivative instruments.
For the avoidance of doubt, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated, including pro forma adjustments, in accordance with Section 1.14.
“Consolidated First Lien Debt” means, as of any date of determination the amount of Consolidated Total Debt (including in respect of the Loans hereunder) that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral on an equal or super priority basis with the Liens on the Collateral securing the Secured Obligations.
“Consolidated First Lien Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to:
(a) Consolidated First Lien Debt as of such date; minus
(b) Unrestricted Cash of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000.
“Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio” means, on any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated First Lien Net Debt as of the last day of the Test Period most recently ended on or prior to such date of determination to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the Test Period as of such date.
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“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that, without duplication,
(a) [intentionally omitted],
(b) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles during such period to the extent included in Consolidated Net Income shall be excluded,
(c) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within 12 months after the Effective Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Transactions (or within 12 months after the closing of any acquisition that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of such acquisition) in accordance with GAAP or charges as a result of adoption or modification of accounting policies in accordance with GAAP shall be excluded,
(d) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person, in each case other than in the ordinary course of business, as determined in good faith by the Borrower, shall be excluded,
(e) the net income (loss) for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting, shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments that are actually paid in cash or Permitted Investments (or to the extent subsequently converted into cash or Permitted Investments) to the Borrower or a Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period,
(f) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded,
(g) any non-cash compensation charge or expense, including any such charge or expense arising from the grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights or equity incentive programs or any other equity-based compensation shall be excluded, and any cash charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests by management of the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect parents in connection with the Transactions, shall be excluded,
(h) any expenses, charges or losses that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any Investment, Permitted Acquisition or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement, to the extent actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that a reasonable basis exists for indemnification or reimbursement and only to the extent that such amount is in fact indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365-day period), shall be excluded,
(i) to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer and only to the extent that such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such determination (with a deduction in the applicable future period for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within such 365 days), expenses, charges or losses with respect to liability or casualty events or business interruption shall be excluded,
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(k) [intentionally omitted],
(j) the income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Borrower or is merged into or consolidated with Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or such Person’s assets are acquired by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be excluded (except to the extent required for any calculation of Consolidated EBITDA on a Pro Forma Basis in accordance with Section 1.14), (l) the purchase accounting effects of adjustments in component amounts required or permitted by GAAP (including in the inventory, property and equipment, goodwill, intangible assets, in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items thereof) and related authoritative pronouncements (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and the Subsidiaries), as a result of the Transactions, any acquisition constituting an Investment permitted under this Agreement consummated prior to or after the Effective Date, or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof shall be excluded,
(m) letter of credit fees shall be excluded,
(n) any deferred tax expense associated with tax deductions or net operating losses arising as a result of the Transactions, or the release of any valuation allowance related to such items, shall be excluded,
(o) gains and losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values and the related tax effects determined in accordance with GAAP for such period shall be excluded,
(p) any net pension or other post-employment benefit costs representing amortization of unrecognized prior service costs, actuarial losses, including amortization of such amounts arising in prior periods, amortization of the unrecognized net obligation (and loss or cost) existing at the date of initial application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 87, 106 and 112, and any other items of a similar nature, shall be excluded,
(q) any non-cash adjustments resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees, or any comparable regulation, shall be excluded,
(r) earn out obligations and other contingent consideration obligations (including to the extent accounted for as bonuses, compensation or otherwise (and including deferred performance incentives in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or other Investment permitted hereunder whether or not a service component is required from the transferor or its related party)) and adjustments thereof and purchase price adjustments, shall be excluded,
(s) (a) accruals and reserves (including contingent liabilities) that are (x) established or adjusted within twelve months after the Effective Date that are so required to be established as a result of the Transactions or (y) established or adjusted within twelve months after the closing of any Permitted Acquisition or any other acquisition (other than any such other acquisition in the ordinary course of business) that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of such Permitted Acquisition or such other acquisition, in each case in accordance with GAAP, or (b) charges, accruals, expenses and reserves as a result of adoption or modification of accounting policies, shall be excluded,
(t) (A) extraordinary, exceptional, unusual or non-recurring charges, expenses, losses, items or special items and (B) any losses on sales of assets outside of the ordinary course of business, shall be excluded,
(u) retention, recruiting, relocation, integration and signing bonuses and expenses, stock option and other equity-based compensation expenses, severance costs, stay bonuses, transaction fees and expenses and management fees and expenses, including any one time expense relating to enhanced accounting function or other transaction costs, including those associated with becoming a standalone entity or public company and implementation of operational and reporting systems and technology initiatives (including, without limitation, any such payments made in connection with the consummation of the Transactions), shall be excluded, (v) the amount of cash or non-cash charges incurred by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries in respect of annual catch-up pension plan payments and related expenses, shall be excluded, and
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(w) the amount of (A) management, consulting, monitoring and advisory fees and related indemnities and expenses paid to the Permitted Holder in accordance with the Management Agreement and (B) payments by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the Permitted Holder made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities, including, without limitation, in connection with acquisitions or divestitures which payments are approved by a majority of the board of directors (or analogous governing body) of the Borrower in good faith, shall be excluded.
In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Subsidiaries in any period, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance.
For the avoidance of doubt, Consolidated Net Income shall be calculated, including any pro forma adjustments, in accordance with Section 1.14.
“Consolidated Secured Debt” means, as of any date of determination the amount of Consolidated Total Debt (including in respect of the Loans hereunder) that is secured by a Lien on the Collateral of the Borrower or any Loan Party securing the Secured Obligations.
“Consolidated Secured Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to:
(a) Consolidated Secured Debt as of such date; minus
(b) Unrestricted Cash of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000.
“Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio” means, on any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Secured Net Debt as of the last day of the Test Period most recently ended on or prior to such date of determination to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the Test Period as of such date.
“Consolidated Total Net Debt” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to:
(c) Consolidated Total Debt as of such date; minus
(d) Unrestricted Cash of Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000.
“Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, on any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of the last day of the Test Period most recently ended on or prior to such date of determination to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the Test Period as of such date.
“Consolidated Total Assets” means the total assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) (or pro forma financial statements delivered on the Effective Date to the extent such financial statements were not yet delivered under Section 5.01(a) or (b)).
“Consolidated Total Debt” means, as of any date of determination, the outstanding principal amount of all Indebtedness owed to a third party consisting of (i) Indebtedness for borrowed money, (ii) unreimbursed drawings under letters of credit to the extent not reimbursed within three Business Days following the drawing thereof (or such later time as may be permitted by the documentation governing the issuance of such letter of credit), (iii) Capital Lease Obligations and purchase money indebtedness, and (iv) all Guarantees with respect to any of the foregoing, in each case, of Borrower and its Subsidiaries on such date, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP (but without giving effect to any election to value any such Indebtedness at “fair value” or any other accounting principle that results in any such Indebtedness (other than zero coupon Indebtedness) being reflected as an amount below the stated principal amount thereof and excluding, in any event, the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of acquisition method accounting in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or other Investment).
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For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that (i) obligations under Swap Agreements and Banking Services, (ii) sale and leaseback transactions and equipment financings and (iii) seller notes, earnouts and other deferred purchase price obligations and contingent acquisition consideration until earned, due and payable and unpaid for a period exceeding thirty (30) days, in each case, do not constitute Consolidated Total Debt.
“Consolidated Total Revenues” means the gross revenues of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent income statement of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b).
“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power or by contract. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.
“Control Account Agreement” means any tri-party agreement by and among a Loan Party, the Administrative Agent and a depositary bank or securities intermediary at which such Loan Party maintains a Controlled Account, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
“Controlled Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.14.
“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.
“Covered Entity” means any of the following:
(i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);
(ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or
(iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).
“Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21(b).
“Credit Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender, at any time, the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans, its Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure at such time.
“Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender, each Issuing Bank or any other Lender.
“Cumulative Credit” means, at any date, an amount, not less than zero in the aggregate, determined on a cumulative basis equal to, without duplication:
(a) the greater of (i) $5,000,000 and (ii) 30% of Consolidated EBITDA as of the last day of the last Test Period (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis), plus
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(b) an amount equal to 50% of Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period from the first day of the fiscal quarter of the Borrowerfor which a Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) to and including the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the Borrower in respect of which a Compliance Certificate has been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) (which amount under this clause (b) shall not be less than zero), plus (c) the cumulative amount of aggregate net proceeds from (i) the sale of Qualified Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower after the Effective Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) (other than (1) a sale to a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, (2) any amount designated as a Cure Amount, (3) the Gross IPO Proceeds, (4) [intentionally omitted], (5) any amount used for Equity Funded Employee Plan Costs) which proceeds have been contributed as equity to the capital of the Borrower or any Subsidiary and (ii) the Qualified Equity Interests of the Borrower (or Equity Interests of any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) (other than (1) any amount designated as a Cure Amount, (2) [intentionally omitted] or (3) any amount used for Equity Funded Employee Plan Costs) issued upon conversion of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations) of the Borrower or any Subsidiary owed to a Person other than a Loan Party or a Subsidiary not previously applied for a purpose (including as a Cure Amount, or any amount used for Equity Funded Employee Plan Costs) other than use in the Cumulative Credit, plus
(d) 100% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the capital (including 100% of the fair market value of property (other than cash and Permitted Investments) as reasonably determined by the Borrower) of the Borrower and any Subsidiary or the net proceeds of the issuance of Qualified Equity Interests of Borrower (or any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) contributed to the Borrower and any Subsidiary, received (x) in cash or Permitted Investments by the Borrower and any Subsidiary after the Effective Date (other than from a Subsidiary or the Borrower and other than (1) any amount designated as a Cure Amount, (2) [intentionally omitted], (3) [intentionally omitted] or (4) any amount used for Equity Funded Employee Plan Costs) or (y) in other property, plus
(e) 100% of the aggregate amount of cash, Permitted Investments and the fair market value of other property received by the Borrower and any Subsidiary (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) after the Effective Date from:
(i) the sale, transfer or other disposition of the Equity Interests or any assets of a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party or any minority Investments or other joint venture (that is not a Loan Party),
(ii) any dividend or other distribution by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party or received in respect of minority Investments or other joint venture (that is not a Loan Party), or
(iii) any interest, returns of principal, repayments and similar payments by such Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party or received in respect of any minority Investments,
(f) in the event any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party has been joined as a Loan Party or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, Borrower or any existing Loan Party, the fair market value of the Investments of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties made using the Cumulative Credit in such Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party at the time of such joinder, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable), plus
(g) an amount equal to any returns in cash and Permitted Investments (including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income, the fair market value of property and similar amounts) actually received by the Borrower or any Loan Party in respect of any Investments to the extent of the Investments originally funded with and in reliance on the Cumulative Credit, plus (h) the proceeds and the fair market value (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) of marketable securities or other property contributed to the Borrower or a Loan Party or contributed to the capital of the Borrower and further contributed to Borrower or a Loan Party as cash common equity since the Effective Date from any Person other than the Borrower or a Loan Party, plus
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(i) [intentionally omitted], minus
(j) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make Investments pursuant to Section 6.05(m) after the Effective Date and prior to such time, minus
(k) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to pay dividends or make distributions or other Restricted Payments pursuant to Sections 6.07(a)(iii) or 6.07(a)(viii) after the Effective Date and prior to such time, minus
(l) any amount of the Cumulative Credit used to make payments or distributions in respect of Junior Indebtedness pursuant to Section 6.07(a)(viii) after the Effective Date and prior to such time, minus
(m) [intentionally omitted], minus
(n) the aggregate amount of prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments made in respect of Junior Indebtedness in reliance on clause (b) of Section 6.07; provided that, with respect to the amounts set forth in clauses (e)(i), (e)(ii), (e)(iii) and (f) of this definition, such amount shall be limited to the Investments made in such Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, minority Investments or other joint venture, as applicable, originally funded with and in reliance on the Cumulative Credit.
“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, (a “SOFR Rate Day”), a rate per annum equal to SOFR for the day (such day “SOFR Determination Date”) that is five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to (i) if such SOFR Rate Day is a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, such SOFR Rate Day or (ii) if such SOFR Rate Day is not a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately preceding such SOFR Rate Day, in each case, as such SOFR is published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website. Any change in Daily Simple SOFR due to a change in SOFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in SOFR without notice to the Borrower. If by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the second (2nd) U.S. Government Securities Business Day immediately following any SOFR Determination Date, SOFR in respect of such SOFR Determination Date has not been published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Daily Simple SOFR has not occurred, then SOFR for such SOFR Determination Date will be SOFR as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such SOFR was published on the SOFR Administrator’s Website.
“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
“Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived hereunder, become an Event of Default.
“Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.
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“Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified the Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including the particular default, if any) to funding a loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) has failed, within three (3) Business Days after request by a Credit Party, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations as of the date of certification) to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement; provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent and Borrower, (d) has become the subject of (A) a Bankruptcy Event or (B) a Bail-In Action or (e) is a Net Short Lender.
“Disposition” or “Dispose” means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith.
“Disqualified Equity Interests” means Equity Interests that by their terms (or by the terms of any security into which they are convertible or for which they are exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, (a) require the payment of any dividends (other than dividends payable solely in shares of Qualified Equity Interests), (b) mature or are mandatorily redeemable or subject to mandatory repurchase or redemption or repurchase at the option of the holders thereof (other than solely for Equity Interests in such Person or the Borrower that do not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests and cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests), in whole or in part and whether upon the occurrence of any event, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation, on a fixed date or otherwise, prior to the date that is ninety one (91) days following the then Latest Maturity Date at such time (other than upon (i) a “change in control” or (ii) an asset sale or similar event; provided that such “change in control”, asset sale or similar event results in the prior Payment in Full, or (c) are convertible or exchangeable, automatically or at the sole option of any holder thereof, into any debt securities or any Equity Interest (other than solely for Equity Interests in such Person or the Borrower that do not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests and cash in lieu of fractional shares of such Equity Interests) referred to in clause (a) or (b) above, prior to the date that is ninety one (91) days following the then Latest Maturity Date at such time; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees, officers, directors, managers or consultants of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or the Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, officers, directors, managers or consultants, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of the termination, death or disability of such employees, officers, directors, managers or consultants.
“Disqualified Lender” means banks, financial institutions, institutional lenders or any other persons:
(a) (i) that have been specified to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower in writing at any time on or prior to the Effective Date (“Primary DQ Entity”) or (ii) any affiliates of such Primary DQ Entity to the extent (x) readily identifiable as an affiliate thereof on the basis of such affiliate’s name or (y) the Borrower has provided written notification thereof to the Administrative Agent;
(b) (i) that constitute bona fide competitors of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the extent identified by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent in writing prior to the Effective Date, or (ii) any affiliates of such bona fide competitors (and in each case other than a bona fide competitor’s debt fund affiliate, unless otherwise specified pursuant to clause (a) hereof) that are (x) readily identifiable on the basis of such affiliate’s name or (y) the Borrower has provided written notification thereof to the Administrative Agent; or provided, that (i) no written notice delivered pursuant to clauses (a)(ii)(y), (b)(i) and/or (b)(ii)(y) above shall become effective until two (2) Business Days after such designation is delivered pursuant to the terms of this definition and (ii) the foregoing shall not apply retroactively to disqualify any parties that have previously been allocated a portion of the facilities hereunder or acquired an assignment or participation interest in the facilities hereunder to the extent such party was not a Disqualified Lender at the time of the applicable allocation, assignment or participation, as the case may be.
(c) Excluded Affiliates.
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“Dividing Person” has the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Division.”
“Division” means the division of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations of a Person (the “Dividing Person”) among two or more Persons (whether pursuant to a “plan of division” or similar arrangement), which may or may not include the Dividing Person and pursuant to which the Dividing Person may or may not survive.
“Division Successor” means any Person that, upon the consummation of a Division of a Dividing Person, holds all or any portion of the assets, liabilities and/or obligations previously held by such Dividing Person immediately prior to the consummation of such Division. A Dividing Person which retains any of its assets, liabilities and/or obligations after a Division shall be deemed a Division Successor upon the occurrence of such Division.
“Dollars”, “dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the U.S.
“Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to the extent such Subsidiary is organized under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof or the District of Columbia.
“ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.
“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.
“EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).
“Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.
“Environmental Laws” means all laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to (i) protection of the environment, (ii) preservation or reclamation of natural resources, (iii) the management, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Material or (iv) to the extent relating to exposure to any Hazardous Material, health and safety matters.
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“Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of the Borrower or any Subsidiary directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement the extent to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
“Equity Financed Permitted Acquisition” means any Permitted Acquisition described in clause (a) of the definition thereof.
“Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any such equity interest, but excluding any debt securities convertible into any of the foregoing unless and until converted into the foregoing.
“Equity Funded Employee Plan Costs” means cash costs or expenses, incurred pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Qualified Equity Interests of the Borrower or Equity Interests of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower (other than any amount designated as a Cure Amount, or any amount used in calculating the Cumulative Credit).
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer underSection 414 of the Code.
“ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30 day notice period is waived); (b) the failure to satisfy the “minimum funding standard” (as defined in Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived; (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan; (d) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan; (e) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan; (f) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (g) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition upon the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent or in reorganization, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.
“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.
“Events of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.
“Excluded Affiliates” means , collectively, any Affiliates of any of the Lead Arrangers deal teams that are engaged as principals primarily in private equity or venture capital (other than bona fide debt fund affiliates, and a limited number of senior employees who are required, in accordance with industry regulations or such Lead Arranger’s internal policies and procedures to act in a supervisory capacity and such Lead Arranger’s internal legal, compliance, risk management, credit or investment committee members).
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“Excluded Equity Interests” means (a) Equity Interests of any Subsidiary for which the pledge of its Equity Interests is prohibited by applicable Law or, solely in the case of a newly acquired Subsidiary, by contractual obligation in existence at the time of acquisition but not entered into for the purpose (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) of evading the requirements set forth in Section 5.10 or Section 5.11, as applicable, or for which governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization would be required unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received (it being understood and agreed that there shall be no obligation to seek or obtain such consent, approval, license or authorization), (b) Equity Interests of any other Person with respect to which, to the extent reasonably agreed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing, the burden or cost or other consequences (including any adverse tax, regulatory or accounting consequences (other than de minimis tax or regulatory consequences)) of the pledge of its Equity Interests shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom (as reasonably determined by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing), (c) voting Equity Interests in excess of 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a CFC or any Foreign Subsidiary Holding Company, (d) Equity Interests of any not-for-profit Subsidiaries, and captive insurance subsidiaries, (e) Equity Interests if any special purpose securitization vehicle (or similar entity), but only to the extent that the pledge of the Equity Interests in such vehicle is prohibited by applicable law or by contractual obligations and (f) Equity Interests of Firefly Aerospace Ukraine, LLC.
“Excluded Property” means (unless otherwise elected by the Borrower) (i) any fee owned real property that is not a Material Real Property and any leasehold rights and interests in real property (it being understood and agreed that there shall be no requirement on the part of the Loan Parties to deliver landlord or other third-party waivers, estoppels, consents or collateral access letters), (ii) motor vehicles, airplanes and other assets subject to certificates of title, except to the extent a security interest therein may be perfected by filing of a UCC financing statement, (iii) commercial tort claims for which a claim with a value of less than $5,000,000 is made, (iv) any lease related to or any property subject to a purchase money security interest, Capital Lease Obligations or similar arrangements, in each case, to the extent permitted under the Loan Documents, to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, purchase money, Capital Lease Obligation or a similar arrangement or create a right of termination or consent in favor of any other party thereto (other than of the Borrower or any other Loan Party) (it being understood and agreed that there shall be no obligation to seek or obtain such consent), (v) any lease, license, permit, franchise or other agreement, and the property subject thereto, in each case, to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein (A) is prohibited by applicable law other than to the extent such prohibition is rendered ineffective under the UCC or other applicable law notwithstanding such prohibition or (B) to the extent and for so long as it would violate the terms thereof (in each case, after giving effect to the relevant provisions of the UCC or other applicable law) or would give rise to a termination or governmental or other third-party consent right (other than of the Borrower or any other Loan Party) thereunder (except to the extent such provision is overridden by the UCC or other applicable law), (vi)(A) Margin Stock and (B)(1) to the extent not permitted by the terms of such Person’s organizational or joint venture documents (so long as such documents are not entered into for the purpose (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) of evading the requirements set forth in Section 5.10 or Section 5.11, as applicable, as determined by the Borrower in good faith), Equity Interests in any Person other than the Borrower, other Loan Parties and any Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries and (2) Excluded Equity Interests, (vii) any property or assets for which the creation or perfection of pledges of, or security interests in, could result in adverse tax consequences (other than de minimis tax consequences) or adverse regulatory or accounting consequences to the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries, each as reasonably determined by the Borrower, (viii) letter of credit rights with a value of less than $5,000,000, except to the extent constituting supporting obligations for other Collateral as to which perfection of the security interest in such other Collateral is accomplished solely by the filing of a UCC financing statement (it being understood and agreed that no actions shall be required to perfect a security interest in letter of credit rights, other than the filing of a UCC financing statement), (ix) deposit accounts or securities accounts maintained and used (I) for payroll or payroll taxes, (II) for withholding tax or other tax accounts, including without limitation, sales tax accounts, (III) for employee benefits or wages, (IV) as escrow, trust or any other fiduciary account, (V) cash collateral accounts securing credit card facilities, or merchant accounts permitted hereunder, (VI) accounts that are used as cash collateral or escrow accounts or otherwise with third parties (other than Loan Parties) to the extent such deposits or securities therein constitute Liens permitted hereunder, (VII) accounts that are maintained outside of the United States, (VIII) to support performance bonds, (IX) accounts constituting client accounts, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any account in the name of a Loan Party that is held solely for the benefit of a client thereof, and (X) deposit accounts with a de minimis average balance, (x) any intent-to-use Trademark application prior to the filing and acceptance of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely during the period, if any, in which, the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use Trademark application or any registration that issues therefrom under applicable federal Law, (xi) particular assets if and for so long as, if reasonably agreed by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing, the cost of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets or obtaining title insurance, surveys, abstracts or appraisals in respect of such assets is excessive in relation to the practical benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom, (xii) any assets of any Subsidiary which is not a Loan Party, (xiii) [intentionally omitted], (xiv) assets sold or otherwise pledged or transferred in connection with a receivables facility permitted hereunder, and (xv) Equity Interests and assets of captive insurance subsidiaries, Immaterial Subsidiaries, and broker dealer subsidiaries (other than, in each case, any such Subsidiary that is a Loan Party); provided, however, that Excluded Property shall not include any Proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any Excluded Property referred to in clauses (i) through (xv)) (unless such Proceeds, substitutions or replacements would independently constitute Excluded Property referred to in clauses (i) through (xv)).
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“Excluded Subsidiary” means, unless otherwise elected by the Borrower, (a) any Subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Guarantor and each joint venture, in each case subject to Section 10.14(b), (b) any Subsidiary for which guarantees of the Obligations are (i) prohibited by applicable law, rule or regulation or require consent, approval, license or authorization of a Governmental Authority, unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been received; provided, that there shall be no obligation to obtain such consent, approval, license or authorization or (ii) contractually prohibited on the Effective Date or, following the Effective Date, the date of the acquisition thereof, so long as such prohibition exists and so long as such prohibition is not created for the purpose (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) of evading the requirements set forth in Section 5.10, (c) any Subsidiary with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the burden or cost of providing a Guarantee shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom (giving due consideration to regulatory, accounting and tax consequences), (d) any not-for-profit Subsidiaries, (e) [intentionally omitted], (f) any special purpose securitization vehicle (or similar entity), (g) any Subsidiary of a CFC, (h) any Foreign Subsidiary Holding Company, (i) captive insurance Subsidiaries, (j) any Immaterial Subsidiary, (k) any Subsidiary acquired pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted under this Agreement and financed with assumed Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to this Agreement (and not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition or Investment), and each Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party acquired in such Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted hereunder that guarantees such Indebtedness, in each case in this clause and (k) to the extent that, and for so long as, the documentation relating to such Indebtedness to which such Subsidiary is a party prohibits such Subsidiary from guaranteeing the Obligations and such prohibition is not created in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted hereunder.
“Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal or unlawful under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal or unlawful.
“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S.
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federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the applicable Commitment, or, if such Lender did not fund an applicable Loan or Letter of Credit pursuant to a prior Commitment, on the date such Lender acquired the applicable interest in such Loan or Letter of Credit (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in the applicable Loan, Letter of Credit or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) and (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.
“Existing Debt” means the term loans (and other obligations) incurred pursuant to the Existing Financing Agreement.
“Existing Debt Repayment” means, collectively, (i) the repayment in full of the outstanding Existing Debt under the Existing Financing Agreement (including accrued interest and fees), (ii) the termination of all commitments thereunder and (iii) the release of all guarantees and Liens securing the obligations under the Existing Financing Agreement.
“Existing Financing Agreement” means that certain Second Amended and Restated Financing Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2024, by and among the Borrower, certain Subsidiaries of Borrower from time to time party thereto, as guarantors, the lenders from time to time party thereto and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent (as amended or modified prior to the Effective Date).
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any agreement entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version described above) and any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities (and related fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or official administrative guidance) implementing the foregoing.
“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.
“Fee Letters” means (a) that certain Administrative Agent Fee Letter, dated as of July 28, 2025, among the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and (b) that certain Arranger Fee Letter, dated as of July 28, 2025, among the Borrower and the Lead Arrangers.
“Finance Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required, subject to Section 1.04, to be classified and accounted for as a finance lease under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP. For the avoidance of doubt, an operating lease will not be a Finance Lease Obligation.
“Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, chief operating officer, general counsel, principal accounting officer, treasurer, controller or any other officer of similar and comparable title of the Borrower.
“Financial Statements” means the financial statements to be furnished pursuant to Sections 5.01(a) and (b).
“Flood Insurance Laws” shall mean, collectively, (a) the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (b) the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statue thereto, (c) the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto, (d) the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto and (e) the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 as now or hereafter in effect or any successor statute thereto.
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“Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the initial Floor for each of the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate and the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR shall be 0.00%.
“Foreign Lender” means any Lender that is not a U.S. Person.
“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
“Foreign Subsidiary Holding Company” means a Subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which are Equity Interests (including, for this purpose, any debt or other instrument treated as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes), or Equity Interests and Indebtedness, in one or more CFCs or other Foreign Subsidiary Holding Companies and any other immaterial assets being held incidental thereto; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, a Subsidiary that would otherwise qualify as a Foreign Subsidiary Holding Company will not fail to qualify as a Foreign Subsidiary Holding Company due to (A) the temporary receipt of cash payments in respect of its Equity Interests or Indebtedness in a CFC so long as such Subsidiary promptly distributes such cash or (B) a capital contribution of cash, so long as such Subsidiary promptly contributes or lends such cash to one or more of its Subsidiaries that are CFCs.
“Free Cash Flow” means, for any period, net cash provided by operating activities less Unfinanced Capital Expenditures.
“Funding Account” means the deposit account of the Borrower designated from time to time in writing to the Administrative Agent to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Borrower to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S.
“Governmental Authority” means the government of the U.S., any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state, local or otherwise, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Gross IPO Proceeds” means the amount of cash proceeds actually received by the Borrower from the issuance of shares pursuant to the IPO.
“Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided, however, that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations or product warranties in effect on the Effective Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term “Guarantee” as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
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“Guaranteed Obligations” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.01.
“Guarantor Payment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.11(a).
“Guarantors” means the Borrower (with respect to the Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations of each other Guarantor) and each direct or indirect Material Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower (other than Subsidiaries that are Excluded Subsidiaries), and the term “Guarantor” means each or any one of them individually.
“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive or radioactive substances or wastes and all hazardous or toxic substances, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law due to their dangerous or deleterious properties or characteristics.
“Immaterial Subsidiary” means each Subsidiary (other than Subsidiaries that are Excluded Subsidiaries (other than pursuant to subsection (l) thereof)) (a) which, as of the most recent fiscal quarter of the Borrower, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended (determined in accordance with GAAP), has not contributed greater than five percent (5.0%) of Consolidated Total Revenues of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period and (b) which has not contributed greater than five percent (5.0%) of Consolidated Total Assets as of such date; provided that, if at any time the aggregate amount of Consolidated Total Revenues or Consolidated Total Assets attributable to all Domestic Subsidiaries that are Immaterial Subsidiaries (other than Domestic Subsidiaries that are otherwise Excluded Subsidiaries) exceeds ten percent (10.0%) of Consolidated Total Revenues for any such period or ten percent (10.0%) of Consolidated Total Assets as of the end of any such fiscal quarter, the Borrower (or, in the event the Borrower has failed to do so within ten (10) days, the Administrative Agent) shall designate sufficient Domestic Subsidiaries as “non-Immaterial Subsidiaries” to eliminate such excess.
“Increasing Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22(a).
“Incremental Cap” means, as of any date of determination, (a) $50 million plus (b) so long as Consolidated EBITDA (as of the Test Period then most recently ended) is a positive number, the maximum aggregate principal amount that can be incurred without causing the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio after giving effect to the incurrence or establishment, as applicable, of any Commitment increase (which shall assume that all such Indebtedness is Consolidated First Lien Debt and the full amount of any incremental Commitment increase established at such time is fully drawn) and the use of proceeds thereof, on a Pro Forma Basis, to exceed 2.50 to 1.00; provided, however, that if incremental Commitments incurred under this clause (a) are incurred concurrently with the incurrence of incremental Commitments in reliance on clause (b) above (or any other fixed basket hereunder), the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio shall be permitted to exceed the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio set forth in clause (b) above to the extent of such amounts incurred in reliance on clause (a) (or any other fixed basket hereunder) solely for the purpose of determining whether such concurrently incurred amounts incurred under this clause (b) are permissible (it being understood that (I) if the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio incurrence test is met, then, at the election of the Borrower, any incremental Commitment or other Indebtedness permitted hereunder may be incurred under clause (b) above regardless of whether there is capacity under clause (a) above (or any other fixed basket) and (II) any portion of any incremental Commitment or other Indebtedness permitted hereunder incurred in reliance on clause (a) (or any other fixed basket) shall be automatically reclassified as incurred under clause (b) if the Borrower meets the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio under clause (b) at such time on a Pro Forma Basis).
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“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) [intentionally omitted], (d) [intentionally omitted], (e) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services, (f) all Indebtedness of others described in clauses (a) through (e) and clauses (f) through (k) herein secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (g) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others described in clauses (a) through (f) and clauses (h) through (k) herein, (h) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit, letters of guaranty, and bankers’ acceptances, in each case, only to the extent not cash collateralized, as applicable, (j) all obligations of such Person to purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any Disqualified Equity Interests, and (k) net obligations payable at the termination of any and all Swap Agreements determined by reference to the termination value thereof to the extent not cash collateralized. For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner, except to the extent such Person’s liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Net Debt and (B) in the case of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, exclude all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business or otherwise incurred through substantially concurrent interim transfers, loans or advances to facilitate a Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, in no event shall the following constitute Indebtedness: (i) accruals for (A) payroll and (B) other non-interest bearing liabilities accrued in the ordinary course of business, (ii) trade accounts payable, deferred revenues, liabilities associated with customer prepayments and deposits and other accrued obligations, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business, (iii) transfer pricing and accruals for payroll and other operating expenses accrued in the ordinary course of business, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business, (iv) operating leases (including, without limitation, real property leases that, pursuant to GAAP, would not be classified and accounted for as a balance sheet liability), (v) customary obligations under employment agreements and deferred compensation, (vi) prepaid or deferred revenue and deferred tax liabilities, (vii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation is not paid for thirty (30) days after becoming earned, due and payable, (viii) purchase price holdbacks in respect of a portion of the purchase price of an asset to satisfy warranty or other unperformed obligations of the respective seller, (ix) contingent obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business, (vi) any obligations in respect of underfunded employee medical benefits, (x) customary obligations under employment agreements and deferred compensation, (xi) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, sale and leaseback arrangements and (xii) current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business.
“Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in (a) hereof, Other Taxes.
“Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(c).
“Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.04(b).
“Information” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.12.
“Intellectual Property” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Security Agreement.
“Intercompany Note” means that certain intercompany note in the form of Exhibit L, dated as of the Effective Date, among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
“Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Revolving Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08, which shall be substantially in the form approved by the Administrative Agent and separately provided to the Borrower.
“Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan (other than a Swingline Loan), the last day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any RFR Loan, (1) each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month) and (2) the Maturity Date, (c) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three (3) months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three (3) months’ duration after the first (1st) day of such Interest Period and the Maturity Date and (d) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the day that such Loan is required to be repaid and the Maturity Date.
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“Interest Period” means with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one (1), three (3) or six (6) months thereafter (subject to the availability for the Benchmark applicable to the relevant Loan or Commitment), as the Borrower may elect; provided that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (ii) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period, and (iii) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 2.14(e) shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
“Investment” means, as applied to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (a) the purchase or acquisition of any Equity Interest, indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of any other Person (including any Subsidiary), (b) any loan, advance or extension of credit (excluding accounts receivable, credit card and debt receivables and trade credit, in each case arising in the ordinary course of business) to, or contribution to the capital of, or Guarantee of any obligations of, any other Person (including any Subsidiary), and (c) any Acquisition; provided, that Investments shall not include, in the case of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness made to or owing by the Borrower or a Subsidiary having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business; provided, further, that, in the event that any Investment is made by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any Person through substantially concurrent interim transfers of any amount through the Borrower or any Subsidiaries, then such other substantially concurrent interim transfers shall be disregarded for purposes of Section 6.04. The amount of any Investment shall be the original principal or capital amount thereof less all returns of principal or equity thereon (without adjustment by reason of the financial condition of such other Person) and shall, if made by the transfer or exchange of property other than cash, be deemed to have been made in an original principal or capital amount equal to the fair market value of such property exchanged.
“IPO” means the initial public offering and distribution of certain of the common Equity Interests of the Borrower pursuant to the Form S-1 Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, that was filed July 28, 2025.
“IPO Proceeds Condition” means the Borrower shall have received minimum Gross IPO Proceeds of $500,000,000.
“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
“Issuing Bank” means Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC and any other Lender that agrees to act as an Issuing Bank (in each case, through itself or through one of its designated affiliates or branch offices), each in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Any Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate. Each reference herein to the “Issuing Bank” in connection with a Letter of Credit or other matter shall be deemed to be a reference to the relevant Issuing Bank with respect thereto.
“Issuing Bank Sublimit” means, as of the Effective Date, (a) in the case of Wells Fargo, $5,400,000, (b) in the case of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., $4,800,000 and (c) in the case of Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, $4,800,000; and (d) in the case of any other Issuing Bank, such amount as shall be designated to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing by an Issuing Bank; provided that any Issuing Bank shall be permitted at any time to increase or reduce its Issuing Bank Sublimit upon providing five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower so long as the aggregate Issuing Bank Sublimit does not exceed $15,000,000.
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“Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit C.
“Junior Indebtedness” means (x) Subordinated Indebtedness, (y) Junior Lien Indebtedness and (z) unsecured Indebtedness, in each case, in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount.
“Junior Lien Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is secured on a junior lien basis to the Liens securing the Secured Obligations.
“Latest Maturity Date” means, at any date of determination, the latest maturity date applicable to any Loan or Commitment hereunder at such time (and excluding any earlier acceleration of the Loans or termination of the Commitments), in each case as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.
“LC Collateral Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).
“LC Disbursement” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
“LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time, plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time. The LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure at such time. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or similar terms in the governing rules or laws or of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Borrower and each Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.
“Lead Arrangers” means each of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, each in its capacity as joint lead arranger.
“Lender Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.
“Lender-Related Person” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).
“Lenders” means the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Banks. The term “Lender” means each or any one of the Lenders individually.
“Letter of Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.06(b).
“Letters of Credit” means the letters of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement, and the term “Letter of Credit” means any one of them or each of them singularly, as the context may require. For the avoidance of doubt, each Issuing Bank shall only be required to issue standby Letters of Credit.
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“Leverage Covenant Triggering Event” shall occur following Borrower submitting a written notice to the Administrative Agent of its election to be tested for a Leverage Covenant Triggering Event, which notice may be submitted at any time the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have positive Consolidated EBITDA on a pro forma basis (as of the Test Period then most recently ended).
“Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.
“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities. In no event shall an operating lease be deemed to be a Lien.
“Limited Condition Transaction” means (i) any Permitted Acquisition or other Investment (including acquisitions subject to a purchase agreement) whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing, (ii) any redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment of Indebtedness requiring irrevocable notice in advance of such redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment, (iii) any Disposition, or (iv) any Restricted Payment, so long as in the case of clauses (i) through (iv), such Investment, repayment, Disposition, or Restricted Payment is not prohibited under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
“Liquidity” means, as of any date of determination, the sum of (a) the aggregate amount of Unrestricted Cash and Permitted Investments of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries at such time, plus (b) Availability.
“Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, each note delivered pursuant to this Agreement, each Letter of Credit application, continuing agreement or other letter of credit agreement, the Collateral Documents and any other agreements (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any Swap Agreements, Bank Services, cash management or treasury services agreements), executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and delivered to or in favor of the Credit Parties pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.
“Loan Guaranty” means Article X of this Agreement.
“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Guarantor and their respective successors and assigns, and the term “Loan Party” shall mean any one of them or all of them individually, as the context may require.
“Loans” means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
“Management Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement, dated as of August 8, 2025, by and among Borrower and AE Industrial Operating Partners, LLC.
“Margin Stock” means margin stock within the meaning of Regulations T, U and X, as applicable.
“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, operations, or financial condition, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (ii) the ability of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, to perform their material payment obligations under the Loan Documents to which they are a party, or (iii) the rights and remedies available to the Administrative Agent, Issuing Banks or the other Credit Parties under the Loan Documents, taken as a whole.
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“Material Domestic Subsidiary” means any wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower which is not an Immaterial Subsidiary.
“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit), or obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate outstanding principal amount exceeding the Threshold Amount. For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time.
“Material Real Property” means any fee owned real property having a fair market value in excess of $10,000,000 as of the date of the acquisition thereof acquired after the Effective Date.
“Maturity Date” means August 8, 2028; provided, further, that if such date is not a Business Day, the Maturity Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
“Maximum Liability” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.10.
“Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.
“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
“Mortgage” means a mortgage, deed of trust, hypothecation, debenture, legal charge or other similar secu-rity document granting a Lien on any Mortgaged Property in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the Secured Obligations, as the same may be amended, amended and restated, sup-plemented or otherwise modified from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, no Mortgage shall be required with respect to the Bertram Property.
“Mortgaged Property” means each Material Real Property with respect to which a Mortgage is required to be granted pursuant to Section 5.11(c).
“Multiemployer Plan” means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
“Net Short Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.19.
“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(d).
“Note” means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Lender or its registered assigns, substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from the Loans made by such Lender.
“NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
“NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day (or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if none of such rates are published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate for a federal funds transaction quoted at 11:00 a.m. New York City time on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.
“NYFRB’s Website” means the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.
“Obligated Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.02.
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“Obligations” means all advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed or allowable claims in such proceeding. Without limiting the foregoing, the Obligations include (a) the obligation to pay principal, interest, Letter of Credit commissions, charges, expenses, fees, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that the Administrative Agent or any Lender, in each case in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of the Borrower in accordance with and subject to the terms herein.
“Original Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(f).
“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan, Letter of Credit or Loan Document).
“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court, documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.19).
“Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight eurodollar transactions denominated in Dollars by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions, as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.
“Paid in Full” or “Payment in Full” means, (a) the payment in full in cash of all outstanding Loans and LC Disbursements, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, (b) the termination, expiration, or cancellation and return of all outstanding Letters of Credit (or alternatively, with respect to each such Letter of Credit, the furnishing to the Administrative Agent of a cash deposit, at the discretion of the Administrative Agent a backup standby letter of credit satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, or the rollover of such Letter of Credit to any succeeding debt facility), (c) the payment in full in cash of the accrued and unpaid fees then owing, due and payable, (d) the payment in full in cash of all reimbursable expenses, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, and (e) the termination of all Commitments.
“Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).
“Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(d).
“Participation Fee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.12(b).
“Payment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).
“Payment Notice” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).
“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.
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“Permitted Acquisition” means any Acquisition by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, at the time of and immediately after giving effect thereto:
(a) Equity Financed Permitted Acquisitions. Subject to a Limited Condition Transaction, if the Acquisition Consideration (including deferred payment obligations) for such Acquisition solely consists of (x) the Qualified Equity Interests of the Borrower, (y) the proceeds from an offering of Qualified Equity Interests of the Borrower received from persons other than its Subsidiaries for the purpose of financing, such Acquisition and/or (z) Indebtedness assumed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary (and permitted by Section 6.01) in connection with such Acquisition, then such Acquisition shall be a “Permitted Acquisition” if:
(i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from the consummation of such Acquisition; and
(ii) the Borrower shall have provided the Administrative Agent with reasonable calculations signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower evidencing that on a pro forma basis the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the financial covenants set forth inSection 6.10 for the four fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the proposed date of consummation of such Acquisition for which financials are available. Upon request, the Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent with copies of material final documents in respect of the Acquisition after the closing of such Acquisition.
(b) Cash Consideration Permitted Acquisitions. If the Acquisition Consideration (including deferred payment obligations) for such Acquisition is made up in whole or in part of cash (other than cash proceeds referred to in clause (a) (y) above but including proceeds of any Indebtedness), then in either case such Acquisition shall be a “Permitted Acquisition” if:
(i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result from the consummation of such Acquisition;
(ii) in the case of the acquisition of Equity Interests, all of the Equity Interests acquired or otherwise issued to a Loan Party by such Person or any newly formed Guarantor in connection with such acquisition shall be owned 100% by a Loan Party (other than (i) joint ventures, (ii) directors’ shares or (iii) other nominal shares required to be held by another Person pursuant to applicable law), and Borrower shall take or cause to take, if such Person becomes a Subsidiary of Borrower, each of the actions set forth in Section 5.10 and/or Section 5.11, as applicable in accordance with their terms;
(iii) solely with respect to an Acquisition under this clause (b) with cash consideration in excess of $50,000,000, the Borrower shall have provided the Administrative Agent prior to the closing of the Acquisition with (A) solely to the extent available (x) most recently available two (2) years of audited financial statements of the target and (y) pro forma balance sheets and profit and loss statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, prepared on a basis consistent with the target’s historical financial statements for the four fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the proposed date of consummation of such Acquisition and (B) reasonable calculations signed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower evidencing that on a pro forma basis the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.10 for the four fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the proposed date of consummation of such Acquisition;
(iv) [intentionally omitted];
(v) solely with respect to an Acquisition under this clause (b) with the cash consideration in excess of $50,000,000, the Borrower shall have provided the Administrative Agent prior to the closing of the Acquisition with, solely to the extent available, a quality of earnings report prepared by independent registered public accountants of recognized regional or national standing or any other accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing and irrespective of the Acquisition Consideration, if a quality of earnings report is otherwise obtained by the Borrower for such Acquisition, a copy shall be provided to the Administrative Agent; and (vi) upon the request of the Required Lenders, Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prior to the closing of the Acquisition, if available, an executed term sheet and/or commitment letter (setting forth in reasonable detail the terms and conditions of such acquisitions), if any.
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“Permitted Holder” means the Sponsor.
“Permitted Investments” means:
(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the U.S. (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;
(b) investments in commercial paper maturing within two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, the highest credit rating obtainable from S&P or from Moody’s;
(c) investments in certificates of deposit, bankers’ acceptances and time deposits maturing within one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any State thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;
(d) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than thirty (30) days for securities described in clause (a) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above;
(e) money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000;
(f) cash, denominated in dollars, the national currency of any Participating Member State of the European Union (as it is constituted on the Effective Date) and, with respect to any Foreign Subsidiaries, other currencies held by such Foreign Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business; and
(g) solely with respect to any Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary, investments of comparable tenor and credit quality to those described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (f) customarily utilized in countries in which such Foreign Subsidiary operates for cash management purposes.
“Permitted Liens” means:
(a) Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document, or any agreement evidencing Bank Product Obligation, or Swap Agreement;
(b) Liens imposed by law for Taxes and claims that are not required to be paid pursuant to Section 5.04 and Liens for property Taxes on property the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof has determined to abandon if the sole recourse for such Tax is to such property;
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(c) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than thirty (30) days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04; (d) (i) Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business and trading in compliance with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations or employment laws or to secure other public, statutory or regulatory obligations or arising by operation of law and (ii) Liens granted in the ordinary course of business to secure liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(e) Liens incurred to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature, in each case in the ordinary course of business;
(f) Liens (i) securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (k) of Article VII, (ii) arising out of judgments or awards against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to which an appeal or other proceeding for review is then being pursued, and (iii) constituting notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings for which adequate reserves have been made;
(g) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(h) any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor under any lease of property;
(i) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses (including leases, licenses, subleases, or sublicenses of Intellectual Property) granted to others in the ordinary course of business or not interfering (or in connection with a commercial transaction that is entered into in the ordinary course of business) in any material respect with the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiaries;
(j) purported Liens evidenced by the filing of precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statements or similar filings (to the extent applicable);
(k) any Lien on any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary existing on the date hereof (i) not in excess of $2,000,000 in the aggregate or (ii) set forth in Schedule 6.02 and any amendments, modifications, extensions, refinancings, renewals and replacements thereof; provided that (x) such Lien shall not encumber any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than the (A) proceeds, products and accessions thereof and customary security deposits, (B) after-acquired property, including such property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness (including a revolving credit facility), (C) assets subject to any cross-collateralization of obligations owed to the holder of such Lien, (D) other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness (including a revolving credit facility) and (E) other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (y) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date hereof and amendments, modifications, extensions, refinancings, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (other than as permitted by Section 6.01);
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(l) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by a Loan Party or any Subsidiary or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary or at the time the assets are acquired and any amendments, modifications, extensions, refinancings, renewals and replacements thereof; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not encumber any other property or assets of a Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than the (A) proceeds, products and accessions thereof and customary security deposits, (B) after-acquired property, including such property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness (including a revolving credit facility), (C) assets subject to any cross-collateralization of obligations owed to the holder of such Lien, (D) other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness (including a revolving credit facility) and (E) other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition) and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be, and amendments, modifications, extensions, refinancings, renewals and replacements thereof that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof (other than as permitted by Section 6.01);
(m) Liens securing purchase money Indebtedness, construction financing, capital leases (including any Capital Lease Obligations), or financing leases permitted pursuant to Section 6.01(e) (including any Indebtedness originally incurred by the target acquired in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or acquisition of equipment); provided any such Lien shall encumber only, as applicable, (i) the asset subject to such purchase money Indebtedness, construction financing, capital leases (including any Capital Lease Obligations), or financing leases or the asset acquired with the proceeds, accessions, or products of such Indebtedness together with the proceeds of any disposition thereof and security deposits, (ii) deposit accounts and reserve accounts solely related to such construction financing, (iii) the assets subject to any cross-collateralization of obligations owed to the holder of such Liens with respect to any capital leases (including any Capital Lease Obligations), financing leases, construction financing or purchase money Indebtedness, and (iv) the assets being constructed pursuant to such construction financing; provided further that, with respect to any transaction that includes cross-collateralization of obligations owed to any holder of such Liens, any such cross-collateralization shall only include (I) assets that were encumbered by a capital lease, financing lease construction financing or purchase money indebtedness by such holder as of the Effective Date or (II) assets that were acquired or improved pursuant to a capital lease, financing lease, construction financing or purchase money Indebtedness by such holder after the Effective Date.
(n) Liens on assets constituting Collateral that secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(g);
(o) Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of the Borrower or another Loan Party or any other Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness or other obligations owed by such Subsidiary to the Borrower or such other Loan Party;
(p) Liens arising out of any conditional sale, title retention, consignment or other similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(q) Liens pursuant to insurance premium financing arrangements securing insurance proceeds solely to the extent of such premiums;
(r) bankers’ Liens, rights of setoff and other similar Liens existing solely with respect to cash and Permitted Investments on deposit in one or more accounts maintained by Borrower or a Subsidiary, in each case granted in the ordinary course of business in favor of the bank or banks with which such accounts are maintained, securing amounts owing to such bank with respect to cash management and operating account arrangements, including those involving pooled accounts and netting arrangements;
(s) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business;
(t) Liens on any cash earnest money deposits made by a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or other permitted Investments, including, without limitation, in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement relating thereto; (u) in connection with the sale or transfer of any assets in a transaction permitted under Section 6.03, customary rights and restrictions contained in agreements relating to such sale or transfer pending the completion thereof;
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(v) Liens in the nature of the right of setoff in favor of counterparties to contractual agreements and purchase orders in the ordinary course of business;
(w) Dispositions and other sales of assets permitted under Section 6.03 or Section 6.05;
(x) Liens on the Collateral securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(n)(y), so long as such Liens shall be subordinated to the Liens granted under the Loan Documents pursuant to an Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Arrangement;
(y) Liens not otherwise permitted by this definition so long the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the obligations secured thereby exceeds (as to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) $20,000,000, at any one time outstanding;
(z) Liens arising pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction permitted by Section 6.01(v);
(aa) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-208 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institutions general terms and conditions;;
(bb) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (k), (l), (m), and (y) of the definition of “Permitted Liens”; provided that (i) except or otherwise permitted by another clause of the definition of “Permitted Liens” (which shall constitute an incurrence thereunder), the Lien does not extend to any additional property, other than (A) after-acquired property, including such property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien, (B) proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits and (C) assets subject to any cross-collateralization of obligations owed to the holder of such Lien, and (ii) the renewal, extension, restructuring or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by Section 6.01 (to the extent constituting Indebtedness);
(cc) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the performance of the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises;
(dd) Liens on Equity Interests in joint ventures; provided, that any such Lien is in favor of a creditor of such joint venture and such creditor is not an Affiliate of any partner to such joint venture and (b) purchase options, call, rights of refusal, rights of first offer, rights of tag and drag and similar rights of, and restrictions for the benefit of, a third party with respect to Equity Interests held by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in joint ventures; and
(ee) Liens on property of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, which Liens secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 (or obligations other than Indebtedness) to be incurred by Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties and provided such Indebtedness (or other obligations) is not incurred by and is not recourse to any Loan Party (other than in respect of any pledge of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party).
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
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“Plan” means any employee pension benefit plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.
“Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA, as amended from time to time.
“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.
“Pro Forma Basis” or “pro forma basis” means, with respect to compliance with any test or covenant or calculation of any ratio hereunder, the determination or calculation of such test, covenant or ratio (including in connection with Specified Transactions) in accordance with Section 1.14.
“Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.
“PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.
“QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract”
in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C.
5390(c)(8)(D).
“QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21(a).
“Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Loan Guaranty or grant of the relevant security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
“Qualified Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests other than Disqualified Equity Interests.
“Qualified Proceeds” shall mean assets that are used or useful in, or Equity Interests of any Person engaged in, any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties, taken as a whole, on the Effective Date or any other business activities which are reasonable extensions thereof or otherwise similar, incidental, corollary, complementary, synergistic, reasonably related, or ancillary to any of the foregoing (including non-core incidental businesses acquired in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or permitted Investment), in each case as determined by the Borrower in good faith.
“Recipient” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, as applicable.
“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is the Term SOFR Rate, 5:00 a.m. (Chicago time) on the day that is two U.S. Government Securities Business Days preceding the date of such setting, (2) following a Benchmark Transition Event and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate, such Benchmark is Daily Simple SOFR, then four U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such setting or (3) if such Benchmark is none of the Term SOFR Rate or Daily Simple SOFR, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
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“Refinance Indebtedness” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01(t).
“Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b)(v).
“Regulation D” means Regulation D of the Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Regulation T” means Regulation T of the Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Regulation U” means Regulation U of the Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Regulation X” means Regulation X of the Board, as in effect from time to time and all official rulings and interpretations thereunder or thereof.
“Regulated Bank” means a commercial bank with a consolidated combined capital and surplus of at least $5,000,000,000 that is (i) organized under the laws of the U.S., any state thereof, the District of Columbia and is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is a U.S. depository institution the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (ii) a corporation organized under section 25A of the U.S. Federal Reserve Act of 1913, (iii) a subsidiary, branch, agency or commercial lending company of a foreign bank operating pursuant to approval by and under the supervision of the FRB under 12 CFR part 211, (iv) a non-U.S. branch of a foreign bank managed and controlled by a U.S. branch referred to in clause (iii) or (v) any other U.S. or non-U.S. depository institution or any branch, agency or similar office thereof supervised by a bank regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.
“Regulated Entity” means (a) any swap dealer registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission or security-based swap dealer registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as applicable; or (b) any commercial bank with a consolidated combined capital and surplus of at least $5,000,000,000 that is (i) a U.S. depository institution the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (ii) a corporation organized under section 25A of the U.S. Federal Reserve Act of 1913; (iii) a branch, agency or commercial lending company of a foreign bank operating pursuant to approval by and under the supervision of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under 12 C.F.R. part 211; (iv) a non-U.S. branch of a foreign bank managed and controlled by a U.S. branch referred to in clause (iii); or (v) any other U.S. or non-U.S. depository institution or any branch, agency or similar office thereof supervised by a bank regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.
“Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board and/or the NYFRB, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board and/or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto.
“Relevant Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or (ii) with respect to any RFR Borrowing, the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR, as applicable.
“Required Lenders” means, subject to Section 2.20, (a) at any time prior to the earlier of the Loans becoming due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments terminating or expiring, Lenders having Credit Exposure and Unfunded Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Credit Exposure and Unfunded Commitments at such time, provided that, solely for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, the Unfunded Commitment of each Lender shall be deemed to be zero; and (b) for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Commitments expire or terminate, Lenders having Credit Exposure representing more than 50% of the Aggregate Credit Exposure at such time; provided that, in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above, (x) the Credit Exposure of the Swingline Lender shall be deemed to exclude any amount of its Swingline Exposure in excess of its Applicable Percentage of all outstanding Swingline Loans, adjusted to give effect to any reallocation under Section 2.20 of the Swingline Exposures of Defaulting Lenders in effect at such time, and the Unfunded Commitment of such Lender shall be determined on the basis of its Credit Exposure excluding such excess amount and (y) if there are two (2) or more Lenders, then Required Lenders must include at least two (2) Lenders (with Lenders that are Affiliates or Approved Funds of a Lender deemed to be a single Lender for purposes of this proviso).
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“Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any statute, law (including common law), treaty, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, order, decree, writ, judgment, injunction or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority (including Environmental Laws), in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.
“Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.
“Responsible Officer” of any Person means the chief executive officer, president, vice president or any Financial Officer of such Person, and any other officer (or, in the case of any such Person that is a Foreign Subsidiary, director or managing partner or similar official) of such Person with responsibility for the administration of the obligations of such Person under this Agreement.
“Restricted Payment” means (i) any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interests or any option, warrant or other right to acquire any such Equity Interests and (ii) any voluntary prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or voluntary redemption, purchase, retirement, defeasance (including in-substance or legal defeasance), sinking fund or similar voluntary payment with respect to, any Junior Indebtedness.
“Revolving Borrowing” means Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.
“Revolving Facility” means, the three-year revolving credit facility in the amount of the stated Commitment hereunder.
“Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.03.
“RFR Borrowing” means, as to any Borrowing, the RFR Loans comprising such Borrowing.
“RFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR.
“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business.
“Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of comprehensive Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, the so-called Luhansk People’s Republic, the Crimea, non-government controlled portions of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine, Cuba, Iran and North Korea).
“Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, any Person subject or target of any Sanctions, including (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by the U.S. government, including by Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. Department of State, or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating from, or organized or resident in, a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person owned or controlled (as ownership and control are defined and/or established in and/or by any applicable laws, rules, regulations, or orders) by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b).
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“Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions, trade embargoes or similar restrictions imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, His Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom.
“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America.
“Secured Obligations” means all Obligations, together with all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations owing to one or more Lenders or their respective Affiliates by any Loan Party; provided that (x) obligations of any Loan Party under any Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations shall be secured and guaranteed only to the extent that, and for so long as, the other Obligations are so secured and guaranteed, (y) any release of Collateral or Guarantors effected in the manner permitted by this Agreement shall not require the consent of holders of Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations and (z) the definition of “Secured Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor.
“Secured Parties” means (a) the Lenders, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Issuing Bank, (d) each provider of Banking Services, to the extent the Banking Services Obligations in respect thereof constitute Secured Obligations, (e) each counterparty to any Swap Agreement, to the extent the obligations thereunder constitute Secured Obligations, (f) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (g) the successors and permitted assigns of each of the foregoing.
“Security Agreement” means that certain Pledge and Security Agreement (including any and all supplements thereto), substantially in the form of Exhibit J hereto, to be dated as of the Effective Date, among the Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, and any other pledge or security agreement securing the Secured Obligations entered into, after the date of this Agreement by such Loan Parties (as required by this Agreement or any other Loan Document) or any other Loan Party for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, modified, restated or otherwise supplemented from time to time.
“SOFR” means a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the SOFR Administrator.
“SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the NYFRB’s website, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.
“SOFR Determination Date” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”.
“SOFR Rate Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple SOFR”.
“Solvency Certificate” means the solvency certificate executed and delivered by a Financial Officer of the Borrower on the Effective Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit H.
“Solvent” means, as to any Person as of any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the property (on a going concern basis) of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including contingent liabilities, of such Person, (b) the present fair saleable value (on a going concern basis) of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts, including contingent debts, as they become absolute and matured in the ordinary course of business, (c) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities, including contingent debts and liabilities, beyond such Person’s ability to pay such debts and liabilities as they mature in the ordinary course of business and (d) such Person is not engaged in a business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in a business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute an unreasonably small capital.
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The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability in the ordinary course of business.
“Specified Transaction” means any (a) Disposition of any product line, business unit, line of business or division of the Borrower or Subsidiary for which historical financial statements are available, (b) Permitted Acquisitions, (c) any Investment that results in a Person becoming a Loan Party, (d) proposed incurrence of Indebtedness or making of a Restricted Payment or payment in respect of Indebtedness in respect of which compliance with any financial test or ratio is by the terms of this Agreement required to be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis, (e) cost savings initiative, operating improvement, restructuring or other initiative, action or event, (f) any Borrowing under the Revolving Facility or issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit, or (g) any other event that by the terms of this Agreement that requires pro forma compliance with a test or covenant hereunder or requires such test or covenant to be calculated on a pro forma basis or giving pro forma effect to any such transaction or event that by the terms of this Agreement requires such test to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or after giving “Pro Forma Effect”.
“Sponsor” means AE Industrial Partners, LP and its Affiliates.
“Sponsor Model” means that certain “bank case” projection model delivered by the Sponsor to the Administrative Agent on July 15, 2025 (together with any updates or modifications thereto reasonably agreed between the Sponsor and the Administrative Agent).
“Subordinated Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that is expressly subordinated by a written agreement in right of payment to the Obligations .
“subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise Controlled, by the parent and/or one or more subsidiaries of the parent.
“Subsidiary” means any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Borrower.
“Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21(a).
“Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.
“Swap Agreement Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any Swap Agreement permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.
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“Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Swingline Borrowing” means a borrowing of a Swingline Loan.
“Swingline Commitment” means $7,500,000.
“Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be the sum of (a) its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time (excluding, in the case of any Lender that is the Swingline Lender, Swingline Loans made by it that are outstanding at such time to the extent that the other Lenders shall not have funded their participations in such Swingline Loans), adjusted to give effect to any reallocation under Section 2.20 of the Swingline Exposure of Defaulting Lenders in effect at such time, and (b) in the case of the Swingline Lender, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender outstanding at such time, less the amount of participations funded by the other Lenders in such Swingline Loans.
“Swingline Lender” means Wells Fargo (or any of its designated branch offices or affiliates), in its capacity as a lender of Swingline Loans hereunder.
“Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.
“Tax Distribution” means (i) for any taxable period ending after the Effective Date for which the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries is a member of a consolidated, combined or similar income Tax group for U.S. federal and/or applicable state or local income Tax purposes of which a direct or indirect parent of the Borrower is the common parent (“Tax Group”), or for which the Borrower is disregarded as an entity separate from a corporate parent (“Corporate Parent”) any distribution made to such common parent to permit such common parent to pay such consolidated, combined or similar income Taxes of such Tax Group, or to the Corporate Parent to pay (or further distribute to allow its direct or indirect corporate parent to pay) such income Taxes of such Corporate Parent (or its direct or indirect corporate parent), that are attributable to the taxable income of the Borrower and/or its applicable Subsidiaries, as applicable; provided that with respect to each such taxable period, the amount of such distributions made in respect of such taxable period shall not exceed the amount that the Borrower and/or its applicable Subsidiaries, as applicable, would have been required to pay if the Borrower and/or such Subsidiaries had been a stand-alone corporation or stand-alone corporate Tax Group for all taxable periods ending after the Effective Date, and (ii) any distribution to pay any administrative, overhead and related expenses (including franchise Taxes) of any direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower to the extent required to maintain such parent company’s legal existence.
“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.
“Term Benchmark” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate.
“Term Benchmark Borrowing” has the meaning given in Section 1.02.
“Term Benchmark Loan” has the meaning given in Section 1.02.
“Term SOFR Determination Day” has the meaning assigned to it under the definition of Term SOFR Reference Rate.
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“Term SOFR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the Term SOFR Reference Rate at approximately 5:00 a.m., Chicago time, two U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to the commencement of such tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, as such rate is published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator.
“Term SOFR Reference Rate” means, for any day and time (such day, the “Term SOFR Determination Day”), with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any tenor comparable to the applicable Interest Period, the rate per annum published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator and identified by the Administrative Agent as the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR. If by 5:00 pm (New York City time) on such Term SOFR Determination Day, the “Term SOFR Reference Rate” for the applicable tenor has not been published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator and a Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate has not occurred, then, so long as such day is otherwise a U.S. Government Securities Business Day, the Term SOFR Reference Rate for such Term SOFR Determination Day will be the Term SOFR Reference Rate as published in respect of the first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day for which such Term SOFR Reference Rate was published by the CME Term SOFR Administrator, so long as such first preceding U.S. Government Securities Business Day is not more than five (5) U.S. Government Securities Business Days prior to such Term SOFR Determination Day.
“Test Period” shall mean, for any date of determination under this Agreement, the four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower most recently ended on or prior to such date of determination and for which financial statements shall have been delivered (or were required to be delivered) under Section 5.01 to the Administrative Agent (or, before the first delivery of such financial statements, the most recent period of four fiscal quarters at the end of which financial statements are available).
“Threshold Amount” means $10,000,000.
“Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of each Loan Document to which it is a party, the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds of the Loans hereunder and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder on the Effective Date and the consummation of the IPO.
“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or the Alternate Base Rate.
“UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or in any other state, the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.
“UK Financial Institutions” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.
“UK Resolution Authority” means the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“Unfinanced Capital Expenditures” means capital expenditures not financed with the proceeds of (i) any Capital Lease Obligations, (ii) any incurrence of long term Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 (excluding the Loans), (iii) any offering of Qualified Equity Interests after the Effective Date, or (iv) insurance or condemnation proceeds (it being agreed that any capital expenditures constituting a Permitted Acquisitions (or other permitted Investment) shall not constitute Unfinanced Capital Expenditures).
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“Unfunded Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the Commitment of such Lender less its Credit Exposure.
“Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Secured Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Secured Obligation that is: (a) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (b) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (c) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.
“Unrestricted Cash” means, as to any Person on any date of determination, the amount of unrestricted cash and Permitted Investments held in accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries that are not subject to any Lien other than any Permitted Lien (for the avoidance of doubt, such cash and Permitted Investments subject to a Permitted Lien shall not be “restricted”).
“U.S.” or “United States” means the United States of America.
“U.S. Government Securities Business Day” means any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities.
“U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.
“U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.21(a).
“USA Patriot Act” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.14.
“Wells Fargo” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.
“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.
“Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that person or any other person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.
SECTION 1.02 Classification of Loans and Borrowings . For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Loan” or an “RFR Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Loan” or an “RFR Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Borrowing” or an “RFR Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing” or an “RFR Revolving Borrowing”).
SECTION 1.03 Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. The word “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities.
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The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”. Unless the context requires otherwise:
(a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (including pursuant to any permitted refinancing, extension, renewal, replacement, restructuring or increase (in each case, whether pursuant to one or more agreements or with different lenders or different agents), but subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein),
(b) any definition of or reference to any law, statute, rule or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws),
(c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof,
(d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof,
(e) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer toArticles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement,
(f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition and in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including”; the words “to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding”; and the word “through” means “to and including”,
(g) all reference to “knowledge” or “awareness” of any Loan Party or a Subsidiary thereof means the actual knowledge of a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party or such Subsidiary,
(h) the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights,
(i) All references to “in the ordinary course of business” of the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof means (A) in the ordinary course of business of, or in furtherance of an objective that is in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, (B) customary and usual in the industry or industries of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the United States or any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary does business, as applicable or (C) generally consistent with the past or current practice of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, or any similarly situated businesses in the United States or any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower or any Subsidiary does business, as applicable, and
(j) with respect to any Default or Event of Default, the words “exists,” “is continuing” or similar expressions with respect thereto shall mean that the Default or Event of Default has occurred and has not yet been cured or waived. In the case of any cure or waiver, the Borrower, the applicable Loan Parties, the Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and any Default or Event of Default cured or waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no such cure or waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.
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For the avoidance of doubt, if (i) any Default or Event of Default under this Agreement (a “Subject Default”) occurs under any covenant or obligation under any Loan Documents (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, Event of Default arising under Section 7.01(a) or any Event of Default under Section 6.10), (ii) the Borrower has delivered any notice required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent promptly upon obtaining actual knowledge that such Subject Default exists, (iii) (A) the event, condition or inaction giving rise to such Subject Default no longer exists and is not continuing, including as a result of the Borrower or applicable Subsidiary having taken the required action giving rise to such Subject Default or (B) such Subject Default shall otherwise have been cured or waived, and (iv) there has not been any acceleration of Loans or Obligations following such Subject Default, then such Subject Default and each other Default or Event of Default that may have resulted from the making or deemed making of any representation or warranty as to, or the taking of any action or consummation of any transaction conditioned upon, the absence of any existing or continuing Default or Event of Default, in each case, related to the Subject Default, shall automatically be deemed to have been cured and no longer continuing; provided that the Subject Default and each other Default or Event of Default shall not be deemed cured and no longer continuing:
(i) if there is a taking of any action by any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party that is not permitted during, and as a result of, the continuance of such Subject Default and the Borrower had actual knowledge at the time of taking any such action that the Subject Default had occurred and was continuing;
(ii) (x) in the case of a Subject Default for which a Responsible Officer of the Borrower failed to give notice to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of such Subject Default in accordance with Section 5.02(a) of this Agreement and (y) a Responsible Officer of the Borrower had actual knowledge of such failure to give such notice; or
(iii) in the case of an Event of Default for which the Administrative Agent (at the direction of the Required Lenders) has accelerated the Loans and terminated the Commitments pursuant to Section 7.01.
SECTION 1.04 Accounting Terms; GAAP.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to (i) any fair value opinion election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 825, Financial Instruments (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) any treatment of Indebtedness under Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 470-20 or 835-30 (or any other guidance under GAAP having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.
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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.04(a) or in the definition of “Capital Lease Obligations,” any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASC 842”), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capital lease, and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made or delivered, as applicable, in accordance therewith.
SECTION 1.05 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 1.06 Interest Rates, Benchmark Notification. The interest rate on a Loan denominated in dollars may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that may be discontinued or is, or may in the future become the subject of regulatory reform. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, Section 2.14(b) provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, (a) the continuation of, administration of, submission of, calculation of or any other matter related to the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or Term SOFR, or any component definition thereof or rates referred to in the definition thereof, or with respect to any alternative, successor or replacement rate thereto (including any Benchmark Replacement), including without limitation whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement), as it may or may not be adjusted pursuant to Section 2.14, will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, or have the same volume or liquidity as, the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Term SOFR or any other Benchmark prior to its discontinuance or unavailability, or (b) the effect, implementation or composition of any Conforming Changes. The Administrative Agent and its Affiliates or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Term SOFR, any alternative, successor or replacement rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) or any relevant adjustments thereto and such transactions may be adverse to the Borrower. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain the Term SOFR Reference Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate or Term SOFR, or any other Benchmark, any component definition thereof or rates referred to in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Borrower, any Lender or any other person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.
SECTION 1.07 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 1.08 EBITDA. Unless otherwise specified herein, for any calculation of Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio or Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio or for any other similar purpose hereunder, if Consolidated EBITDA is negative then the Borrower and its Subsidiaries will not be compliant with respect to any covenant or trigger based on the calculation of Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio or Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio.
SECTION 1.09 Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the stated amount of such Letter of Credit available to be drawn at such time; provided that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the maximum amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time.
SECTION 1.10 Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any Division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.
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SECTION 1.11 Currency Translation. For purposes of determining compliance as of any date after the Effective Date with Article VI, or for purposes of making any determination under clauses (f), (g) or (k) of Article VII, or for any other specified purpose hereunder, amounts incurred or outstanding in currencies other than Dollars shall be translated into Dollars at currency exchange rates in effect on the last Business Day of the fiscal month immediately preceding the fiscal month in which such determination occurs or in respect of which such determination is being made (as applicable), as such currency exchange rates shall be determined in good faith by the Borrower by reference to customary indices. No Default or Event of Default shall arise as a result of any limitation or threshold set forth in Dollars in Section 5.12, Section 6.01, Section 6.02, Section 6.03, Section 6.04, Section 6.05, Section 6.06, Section 6.07, Section 6.10 or clauses (f), (g) or (k) of Article VII, being exceeded solely as a result of changes in currency exchange rates from those rates applicable on the last day of the fiscal month immediately preceding the fiscal month in which such determination occurs or in respect of which such determination is being made (as applicable).
SECTION 1.12 Cumulative Credit Transactions. If more than one action occurs on any given date the permissibility of the taking of which is determined hereunder by reference to the amount of the Cumulative Credit immediately prior to the taking of such action, the permissibility of the taking of each such action shall be determined independently and in no event may any two or more such actions be treated as occurring simultaneously.
SECTION 1.13 Times of Day. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
SECTION 1.14 Pro Forma Calculations.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, financial ratios and tests, including any determination of Liquidity, Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Total Revenue, Consolidated Total Debt, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Free Cash Flow and Consolidated EBITDA, shall be calculated in the manner prescribed by this Section 1.14; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 1.14(b), (c) or (d), when calculating Liquidity, Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Total Revenue, Consolidated Total Debt, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Free Cash Flow and Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of determining actual compliance (and not Pro Forma compliance or compliance on a Pro Forma Basis) with any covenant pursuant to Section 6.10, the events described in this Section 1.14 that occurred subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period shall not be given pro forma effect. In addition, whenever a financial ratio, test or “grower” is to be calculated on a pro forma basis (it being agreed that “grower” baskets are calculated on a pro forma basis), the reference to the “Test Period” for purposes of calculating such financial ratio or test shall be deemed to be a reference to, and shall be based on, the most recently ended Test Period for which internal financial statements of the Borrower are available (as determined in good faith by the Borrower); provided that, the provisions of this sentence shall not apply for purposes of calculating Liquidity, Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Total Revenue, Consolidated Total Debt, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Free Cash Flow and Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of determining actual compliance with Section 6.10 (other than for the purpose of determining pro forma compliance with Section 6.10), each of which shall be based on the financial statements delivered pursuant to Sections 5.01(a) or (b), as applicable, for the relevant Test Period.
(b) For purposes of calculating any financial ratio or test, Specified Transactions (with any incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness in connection therewith to be subject to Section 1.14(d)) that have been made (i) during the applicable Test Period and (ii) if applicable as described in Section 1.14(a), subsequent to such Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made shall be calculated on a pro forma basis assuming that all such Specified Transactions (and any increase or decrease in Consolidated EBITDA and the component financial definitions used therein attributable to any Specified Transaction) had occurred on the first day of the applicable Test Period (or, in the case of the determination of Consolidated Total Assets, the last day). If since the beginning of any applicable Test Period any Person that subsequently became a Loan Party or was merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that are Loan Parties since the beginning of such Test Period shall have made any Specified Transaction that would have required adjustment pursuant to this Section 1.14, then such financial ratio or test (or the calculation of Consolidated Total Assets) shall be calculated to give pro forma effect thereto in accordance with this Section 1.14.
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(c) Whenever pro forma effect is to be given to a Specified Transaction, the pro forma calculations shall be made in good faith by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and may include, for the avoidance of doubt, the amount of “run-rate” cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements, initiatives and cost synergies resulting from or relating to such initiatives and such Specified Transaction projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realizable as a result of actions taken or expected to be taken (calculated on a Pro Forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies were realized during the entirety of such period and such that “run rate” means the full recurring benefit for a period that is associated with any action taken or expected to be taken (including any savings expected to result from the elimination of a public target’s compliance costs with public company requirements), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions), and any such adjustments shall be included in the initial pro forma calculation of such financial ratios or tests relating to such initiative or such Specified Transaction (and in respect of any subsequent pro forma calculation in which such Specified Transaction is included); provided that (x) a duly completed certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent together with the Compliance Certificate required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01, certifying that such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies are factually supportable and reasonably anticipated to be realizable in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, within 24 months after the consummation of a Specified Transaction (or, in the case of cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and cost synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to be realizable in connection with actions taken prior to the Effective Date, within 24 months after the Effective Date), which is expected to result in such cost savings, expense reductions, other operating improvements or cost synergies and (y) no cost savings, operating expense reductions and cost synergies, integration costs, costs of strategic initiatives or business optimization expenses or costs (including system design and upgrade implementation costs) and restructuring charges shall be added pursuant to this clause (c) to the extent duplicative of any expenses or charges otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA (or any component thereof), whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period; provided, further, that the aggregate amount of adjustments pursuant to this Section 1.14(c) shall be subject to the Combined Cap;
(d) In the event that the Borrower or any Loan Party incurs (including by assumption or guarantees) or repays (including by redemption, repayment, retirement or extinguishment) any Indebtedness (including Disqualified Equity) included in the calculations of any financial ratio or test (in each case, other than Indebtedness incurred or repaid under any revolving credit facility), (i) during the applicable Test Period or (ii) subject to Section 1.14(a) subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period and prior to or simultaneously with the event for which the calculation of any such ratio is made, then such financial ratio or test shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, to the extent required, as if the same had occurred on the last day of the applicable Test Period.
(e) Any provision requiring the pro forma compliance with Section 6.10 shall be made assuming that compliance with Liquidity, Free Cash Flow and Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to such Section is required with respect to the most recent Test Period prior to such time.
(f) Interest on Indebtedness that may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rate, shall be determined to have been based upon the rate actually chosen, or if none, then based upon such optional rate actually in effect.
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(g) In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of:
(i) determining compliance with any provision of this Agreement which requires the calculation of any financial ratio or test, including Liquidity, Free Cash Flow and Consolidated EBITDA; or
(ii) testing availability under baskets set forth in this Agreement (including baskets measured as a percentage of Consolidated EBITDA) and determining whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and any bring-down of the representations and warranties contained in any Loan Document;
in each case, at the option of the Borrower (the Borrower’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCT Election”), the date of determination of whether any such action is permitted hereunder shall be deemed to be the date the definitive agreement or irrevocable notice (which may be conditional) (or in the case of a Limited Condition Transaction that involves some other manner of establishing a binding obligation under local law (including in connection with an acquisition to which the United Kingdom City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (or any equivalent thereof under the laws, rules or regulations in any other applicable jurisdiction) applies, on which a “Rule 2.7 announcement” of a firm intention to make an offer in respect of a target of a Limited Condition Transaction is made (or the equivalent notice under such equivalent laws, rules or regulations in such other applicable jurisdiction)), such other binding obligation to consummate) for such Limited Condition Transaction is entered into or sent, as applicable (the “LCT Test Date”), and if, after giving Pro Forma Effect to the Limited Condition Transaction, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries would have been permitted to take such action on the relevant LCT Test Date in compliance with such ratio, test or basket, such ratio, test or basket shall be deemed to have been complied with; provided, that for any determination to be made pursuant to this Section 1.14(g), the Borrower may, by delivering an LTM Determination Notification, elect to recalculate all such ratios, tests or baskets in respect of the last twelve fiscal months of the Borrower for which monthly financial statements are available in which case such date of redetermination shall thereafter be deemed to be the applicable LCT Test Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Borrower has made an LCT Election and any of the ratios, tests or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Test Date would have failed to have been satisfied as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, test or basket, including due to fluctuations in Liquidity, Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Total Revenue, Consolidated Total Debt, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Free Cash Flow and Consolidated EBITDA, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets, tests or ratios will not be deemed to have failed to have been satisfied as a result of such fluctuations. If the Borrower has made an LCT Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any event or transaction occurring after the relevant LCT Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive document (or in the case of a Limited Condition Transaction that involves some other manner of establishing a binding obligation under local law, such other binding obligation to consummate) or date for redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment specified in an irrevocable notice for such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated, expires or passes, as applicable, without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction (a “Subsequent Transaction”) in connection with which a ratio, test or basket availability calculation must be made on a Pro Forma Basis or giving Pro Forma Effect to such Subsequent Transaction, for purposes of determining whether such ratio, test or basket availability has been complied with under this Agreement, any such ratio, test or basket shall be required to be satisfied on a Pro Forma Basis assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith have been consummated.
SECTION 1.15 Rounding. Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement (or required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement) shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding up if there is no nearest number).
SECTION 1.16 Compliance with Certain Sections. For purposes of determining compliance with any of Section 5.12 and Sections 6.01 through 6.11 (other than Section 6.10), in the event that any Lien, Investment, Indebtedness (whether at the time of incurrence or upon application of all or a portion of the proceeds thereof), Disposition, Affiliate transaction, contractual obligation, or prepayment of Indebtedness meets the criteria of one, or more than one, of the “baskets” or categories of transactions then permitted pursuant to any clause or subsection of any such section of Article VI, such transaction (or portion thereof) at any time shall be permitted under one or more of such clauses of such Section at the time of such transaction or any later time from time to time, in each case, as determined by the Borrower in its sole discretion at such time and thereafter may be reclassified from time to time within such section by the Borrower in any manner not expressly prohibited by this Agreement.
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With respect to (x) any amounts incurred (or commitments obtained) or transactions entered into (or consummated or obtained) in reliance on a provision of this Agreement (including the Revolving Facility) that does not require compliance with a financial ratio or test (including the Liquidity, Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Total Revenue, Consolidated Total Debt, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Free Cash Flow and/or Consolidated EBITDA) substantially concurrently with or (y) any amounts incurred (or commitments obtained) or transactions entered into (or consummated or obtained) in reliance on a provision of this Agreement that requires compliance with a financial ratio or test (including the Liquidity, Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Total Revenue, Consolidated Total Debt, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Free Cash Flow and/or Consolidated EBITDA), it is understood and agreed that (a) the amounts and/or transactions in clause (x) shall be disregarded in the calculation of the financial ratio or test applicable to the amounts in clause (y) (for purposes of determining compliance with a financial ratio or test (including the Liquidity, Consolidated Total Assets, Consolidated Total Revenue, Consolidated Total Debt, Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, Free Cash Flow and/or Consolidated EBITDA) and (b) such amounts incurred (or commitments obtained) or transactions entered into (or consummated or obtained) pursuant to clause (y) shall only be tested once (at the time of such establishment, incurrence or transaction) and shall not be subject to satisfaction of any additional incurrence test, including in connection with subsequent incurrences under any such established revolving credit facility or delayed draw term loan facility).
SECTION 1.17 Timing of Payment or Performance. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, when the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as described in the definition of “Interest Period”) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.
SECTION 1.18 Certifications. All certifications to be made hereunder by an officer or representative of a Loan Party shall be made by such person in his or her capacity solely as an officer or a representative of such Loan Party, on such Loan Party’s behalf and not in such Person’s individual capacity.
ARTICLE II
THE CREDITS
SECTION 2.01 Revolving Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender (acting through any of its branches or affiliates other than Excluded Affiliates) severally (and not jointly) agrees to make Revolving Loans in Dollars to the Borrower from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result (after giving effect to any application of proceeds of such Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.10) in (a) such Lender’s Credit Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Commitment or (b) the Aggregate Credit Exposure exceeding the aggregate Commitments. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans without premium or penalty.
SECTION 2.02 Loans and Borrowings.
(a) Each Revolving Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Revolving Loans made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required.
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(b) Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Term Benchmark Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan. Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Section 2.14 and 2.15, shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c) At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is (x) an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000 or (y) such lesser amount constituting the remaining undrawn Commitments. At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is (x) an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000 or (y) such lesser amount constituting the remaining undrawn Commitments; provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e). Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $100,000. Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of thirteen (13) Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowings or RFR Borrowings outstanding.
SECTION 2.03 Requests for Revolving Borrowings. To request a Revolving Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by submitting a Borrowing Request (a) (i) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (ii) in the case of an RFR Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., three (3) U.S. Government Securities Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 1:00 p.m., one Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 1:00 p.m., on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each such Borrowing Request shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Each such Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing;
(ii) the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing;
(iv) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and
(v) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.07.
If no election as to the Type of Revolving Borrowing is specified, then the requested Revolving Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section 2.03, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Borrower be permitted to request pursuant to thisSection 2.03 prior to a Benchmark Transition Event and Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate, an RFR Loan bearing interest based on Daily Simple SOFR (it being understood and agreed that Daily Simple SOFR shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.14(a) and 2.14(f)), as applicable.
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SECTION 2.04 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 2.05 Swingline Loans.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from time to time during the Availability Period, the Swingline Lender shall make Swingline Loans to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans made by the Swingline Lender exceeding the Swingline Commitment or (ii) any Lender’s Credit Exposure exceeding its Commitment; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans without premium or penalty.
(b) To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall submit a written notice to the Administrative Agent by email (or transmit by electronic communication if arrangements for such transmission have been approved by the Administrative Agent) not later than 12:00 noon, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be in a form approved by the Administrative Agent, shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Borrower. The Swingline Lender shall make the requested Swingline Loan available to the Borrower by means of a credit to an account of the Borrower with the Administrative Agent designated for such purpose (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the Issuing Bank) by 3:00 p.m., on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.
(c) [Intentionally omitted].
(d) The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent require the Lenders to acquire participations in all or a portion of its Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loans. Each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, promptly upon receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent (and in any event, if such notice is received by 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Business Day no later than 5:00 p.m. New York City time on such Business Day and if received after 12:00 noon, New York City time, on a Business Day shall mean no later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the immediately succeeding Business Day), to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loans. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by a Swingline Lender from the Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof.
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(e) The Swingline Lender may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Swingline Lender and the successor Swingline Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of the Swingline Lender. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid interest accrued for the account of the replaced Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.13(a). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (x) the successor Swingline Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of the replaced Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made thereafter and (y) references herein to the term “Swingline Lender” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Swingline Lender, or to such successor and all previous Swingline Lenders, as the context shall require. After the replacement of a Swingline Lender hereunder, the replaced Swingline Lender shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of a Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made by it prior to its replacement, but shall not be required to make additional Swingline Loans.
(f) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Swingline Lender (which shall be subject to Borrower’s prior written consent), the Swingline Lender may resign as the Swingline Lender at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders, in which case, the Swingline Lender shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.05(e) above.
(i) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Wells Fargo may not resign as a Swingline Lender unless Wells Fargo resigns as the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms herein.
SECTION 2.06 Letters of Credit.
(a) General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request any Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit denominated in Dollars as the applicant thereof for the support of its or its Subsidiaries’ obligations, in a form reasonably acceptable to such Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period.
(b) Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall deliver (or transmit by electronic communication if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the respective Issuing Bank) to an Issuing Bank selected by it and to the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment or extension, but in any event no less than three (3) Business Days) a written notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section 2.06), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof, and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend or extend such Letter of Credit. In addition, as a condition to any such Letter of Credit issuance, the Borrower shall have entered into a continuing agreement (or other letter of credit agreement) for the issuance of letters of credit and/or shall submit a letter of credit application, in each case, as required by the respective Issuing Bank and using such Issuing Bank’s standard form (each, a “Letter of Credit Agreement”). In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any Letter of Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control and any Liens granted under such Letter of Credit Agreement shall be void and null. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (i) (x) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit issued by any Issuing Bank at such time plus (y) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements made by such Issuing Bank that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time shall not exceed its Issuing Bank Sublimit, (ii) the LC Exposure shall not exceed the Issuing Bank Sublimit and (iii) no Lender’s Credit Exposure shall exceed its Commitment. The Borrower may, at any time and from time to time, reduce the Letter of Credit Commitment of any Issuing Bank; provided that the Borrower shall not reduce the Letter of Credit Commitment of any Issuing Bank if, after giving effect of such reduction, the conditions set forth in clauses (i) through (iii) above shall not be satisfied.
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An Issuing Bank shall not be under any obligation to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit if:
(i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing, amending or extending such Letter of Credit, or any Requirement of Law relating to such Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or request that such Issuing Bank reform from, the issuance, amendment or extension of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular, or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital or liquidity requirement (for which such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense that was not applicable on the Effective Date and that such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it; or
(ii) the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally.
(c) Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire (or be subject to termination or non-extension by notice from the applicable Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereof) at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date that is one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any extension of the expiration date thereof, one year after the then-current expiration date at the time of such extension) and (ii) the date that is five (5) Business Days prior to the Maturity Date; provided that any Letter of Credit with a one year tenor may contain customary automatic extension provisions acceptable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to which the expiration date of such Letter of Credit shall be automatically extended for a period of up to twelve (12) months (but not to a date later than the date set forth in clause (ii) above, except to the extent otherwise cash collateralized or backstopped pursuant to arrangements reasonably acceptable to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent as of such date set forth in clause (ii)).
(d) Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount or extending the term thereof) and without any further action on the part of the applicable Issuing Bank or the Lenders, such Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Lender, and each Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement in Dollars made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 2.06, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason, including after the Maturity Date. Each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligations to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit and to make payments in respect of such acquired participations are absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments.
(e) Reimbursement. If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 12:00 noon, on the Business Day following the date that such LC Disbursement is made; provided that, the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.05 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan, as applicable.
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If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the respective Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the respective Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse an Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.
(f) Obligations Absolute. The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein or herein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the respective Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder. Neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders nor any Issuing Bank, nor any of their respective Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, document, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the respective Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse an Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith, material breach of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or willful misconduct on the part of an Issuing Bank or Related Party (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, an Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.
(g) Disbursement Procedures. The Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall, within the time allowed by applicable law or the specific terms of the Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under such Letter of Credit.
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Such Issuing Bank shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone and email of such demand for payment if such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that such notice need not be given prior to payment by the Issuing Bank and any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.
(h) Interim Interest. If the Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the reimbursement is due and payable at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is payable; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of such Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank for such LC Disbursement shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.
(i) Replacement and Resignation of an Issuing Bank.
(i) An Issuing Bank may be appointed and/or replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank, if applicable, and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement or appointment of an Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement or appointment, (x) the successor or appointed Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued by it thereafter and (y) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks or the appointed Issuing Bank, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or extend or otherwise amend any existing Letter of Credit.
(ii) Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank (which shall be subject to Borrower’s prior written consent), any Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.06(i)(i) above.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Wells Fargo may not resign as an Issuing Bank unless Wells Fargo resigns as the Administrative Agent.
(j) Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day after the date the Borrower receives written notice from the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Required Lenders) or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit in an account or accounts with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, or that is subject to a control agreement (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash (or in a manner otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent) equal to 101% of the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Article VII. The Borrower also shall deposit cash collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.11(b) or 2.20.
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Such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Secured Obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing or paragraph (c) of this Section, if any LC Exposure remain outstanding after the expiration date specified in said paragraph (c), the Borrower shall immediately deposit into the LC Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 101% of such LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.
The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the LC Collateral Account and the Borrower hereby grant the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account and all moneys or other assets on deposit therein or credited thereto. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s benefit, risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse each Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed, together with related fees, costs and customary processing charges, and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Obligations in accordance with Section 2.18. If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (including all accrued interest) (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three (3) Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.
(k) Letters of Credit Issued for Account of Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder supports any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Subsidiary, or states that a Subsidiary is the “account party,” “applicant,” “customer,” “instructing party,” or the like of or for such Letter of Credit, and without derogating from any rights of the applicable Issuing Bank (whether arising by contract, at law, in equity or otherwise) against such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit, the Borrower (i) shall reimburse, indemnify and compensate the applicable Issuing Bank hereunder for such Letter of Credit (including to reimburse any and all drawings thereunder) as if such Letter of Credit had been issued solely for the account of the Borrower and (ii) irrevocably waives (to the extent permitted by applicable law) any and all defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of any or all of the obligations of such Subsidiary in respect of such Letter of Credit. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of such Letters of Credit for its Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrower’s business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Subsidiaries.
SECTION 2.07 Funding of Borrowings.
(a) Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds, by 12:00 noon, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. Except in respect of the provisions of this Agreement covering the reimbursement of Letters of Credit, the Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to the Funding Account(s); provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank.
(b) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.
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In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing; provided that any interest received from the Borrower by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning when Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 2.08 Interest Elections.
(a) Each Revolving Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section 2.08. The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.
(b) To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Revolving Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Interest Election Request shall be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower.
(c) Each Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:
(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);
(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;
(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Term Benchmark Borrowing; and
(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.
If any such Interest Election Request requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one (1) month’s duration.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Borrower be permitted to request pursuant to thisSection 2.08(c) prior to a Benchmark Transition Event and Benchmark Replacement Date with respect to the Term SOFR Rate, an RFR Loan bearing interest based on Daily Simple SOFR (it being understood and agreed that Daily Simple SOFR shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.14(a) and 2.14(f)), as applicable.
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(d) Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.
(e) If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be deemed to have an Interest Period of one (1) month. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h) has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower, then, so long as an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h) is continuing (i) no outstanding Revolving Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, (A) each Term Benchmark Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto and (B) each RFR Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing on the last day of the calendar month.
SECTION 2.09 Termination and Reduction of Commitments.
(a) Unless previously terminated, the Commitments shall terminate on the Maturity Date.
(b) The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Commitments shall be in an amount that is (x) an integral multiple of $250,000 and not less than $500,000 or (y) such lesser amount constituting the remaining undrawn Commitments and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, (a) any Lender’s Credit Exposure would exceed its Commitment or (b) the Aggregate Credit Exposure would exceed the aggregate Commitments.
(c) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section 2.09 at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.09 shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or the occurrence of any other event or consummation of any other transaction, in which case such notice may be revoked or extended by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments.
SECTION 2.10 Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.
(a) The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Maturity Date and (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the fifth Business Days after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Borrowing is made, the Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans then outstanding and the proceeds of any such Borrowing shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to repay any Swingline Loans outstanding.
(b) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
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(c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.
(d) The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section 2.10 shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the Obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(e) Any Lender may request that Loans made by it be evidenced by a promissory note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender or, its registered assigns and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant toSection 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form.
SECTION 2.11 Prepayment of Loans.
(a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part without premium or penalty, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (b) of this Section 2.11; provided that each prepayment shall be in an aggregate amount that is (x) an integral multiple of $250,000 and not less than $500,000 or (y) such lesser amount constituting the entire outstanding amount of such Borrowing. In the absence of such direction by the Borrower, voluntary repayments shall be applied first, to any outstanding ABR Loans until such ABR Loans are repaid in full, and then, to any outstanding Term Benchmark Loans (in each case, in direct order of maturity).
(b) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of Swingline Loans, the Swingline Lender) by telephone or email (confirmed by electronic communication if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent and, if relevant, the Swingline Lender) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of (1) a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, not later than 3:00 p.m., three (3) Business Days before the date of prepayment or (2) an RFR Revolving Borrowing, not later than 3:00 p.m., three (3) Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Revolving Borrowing, not later than 3:00 p.m., one Business Day before the date of prepayment or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 3:00 p.m., on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that, if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09 or is otherwise conditioned upon the consummation of a transaction, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked (or extended) if such notice of termination is revoked or extended in accordance with Section 2.09 or such transaction does not occur. Promptly following receipt of any such notice relating to a Revolving Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Revolving Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Revolving Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02, except as necessary to apply fully the required amount of a mandatory prepayment. Each prepayment of a Revolving Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued but unpaid interest to the extent required by Section 2.13.
(c) If at any time the Credit Exposure exceeds the Commitment, the Borrower agrees to repay within one Business Day of notice from the Administrative Agent, by payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender, the Borrowings in an amount equal to such excess with each such repayment applied first, to the principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans, second to the principal amount of outstanding Loans and third, with respect to any Letters of Credit then outstanding, as a payment of cash collateral into a LC Collateral Account, in an amount equal to such excess, in any case, without premium or penalty.
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SECTION 2.12 Fees.
(a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a commitment fee (a “Commitment Fee”), which shall accrue at the rate equal to the Applicable Commitment Fee on the daily unused amount of the Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Commitment terminates. Commitment fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable in arrears on the fifteenth (15) day following such last day and on the date on which the Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. The Commitment Fee shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred and sixty (360) days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first (1st) day and the last day of each period but excluding the date on which the Commitments terminate). For the avoidance of doubt, a Lender’s Swingline Exposure shall not be considered usage in calculating the Commitment Fee above.
(b) The Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in each outstanding Letter of Credit (the “Participation Fee”), which shall accrue on the daily maximum stated amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit at the same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Revolving Loans, during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to each Issuing Bank for its own account a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, which shall accrue at the rate or rates per annum separately agreed upon between the Borrower and such Issuing Bank on the daily maximum stated amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit, during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, as well as such Issuing Bank’s standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such Issuing Bank relating to Letters of Credit as from time to time in effect. Participation Fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the fifteenth (15) day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to an Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within fifteen (15) days after written demand. All Participation Fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred and sixty (360) days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first (1st) day but excluding the last day).
(c) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers, for their own respective accounts, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon in writing between the Borrower, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers, on the other.
(d) All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in dollars in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to an Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of Commitment Fees and Participation Fees, to the Lenders. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances unless otherwise agreed.
SECTION 2.13 Interest.
(a) The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.
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(b) The Loans comprising each Term Benchmark Borrowing shall bear interest in the case of a Term Benchmark Revolving Loan, at the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.
(c) Each RFR Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR plus the Applicable Rate.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due (after any applicable grace period), whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section.
(e) Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section 2.13 shall be payable on written demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Term Benchmark Revolving Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.
(f) Interest computed by reference to the Term SOFR Rate or Daily Simple SOFR and the ABR (except when based on the Prime Rate) hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate only at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case, interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. A determination of the applicable Alternate Base Rate, Adjusted Term SOFR Rate, Term SOFR Rate, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR or Daily Simple SOFR shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
SECTION 2.14 Alternate Rate of Interest.
(a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of this Section 2.14, if:
(i) the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate (including because the Term SOFR Reference Rate is not available or published on a current basis), for such Interest Period or (B) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR; or
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(ii) the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted Term SOFR Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period or (B) at any time, Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing; then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone or email as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (A) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing and any Borrowing Request that requests a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be an Interest Election Request or a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for (1) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (2) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above and (B) any Borrowing Request that requests an RFR Borrowing shall instead be deemed to be a Borrowing Request, as applicable, for an ABR Borrowing; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then all other Types of Borrowings shall be permitted. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of the notice from the Administrative Agent referred to in this Section 2.14(a) with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until (x) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist with respect to the relevant Benchmark and (y) the Borrower delivers a new Interest Election Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.08 or a new Borrowing Request in accordance with the terms of Section 2.03, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan, be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not also the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR also is the subject of Section 2.14(a)(i) or (ii) above, on such day, and (2) any RFR Loan shall on and from such day be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute an ABR Loan.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document (and any Swap Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 2.14), if a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark (including any related adjustments) for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
(d) The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 2.14(f) and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period.
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Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders), in each case, with the consent of the Borrower, pursuant to this Section 2.14, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.14 or the definition of “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes”.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including the Term SOFR Rate) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion and the Borrower or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.
(f) Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for (i) a Term Benchmark Borrowing, conversion to or continuation of Term Benchmark Loans to be made, converted or continued or (ii) a RFR Borrowing or conversion to RFR Loans, during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing, as applicable, into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to (A) solely with respect to any such request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (B) an ABR Borrowing if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of ABR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of ABR. Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan is outstanding on the date of the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until such time as a Benchmark Replacement is implemented pursuant to this Section 2.14, (1) any Term Benchmark Loan shall on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan, be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, (x) an RFR Borrowing so long as the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is not the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event or (y) an ABR Loan if the Adjusted Daily Simple SOFR is the subject of a Benchmark Transition Event, on such day and (2) any RFR Loan shall on and from such day be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute an ABR Loan.
SECTION 2.15 Increased Costs.
(a) If any Change in Law shall:
(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender or Issuing Bank;
(ii) impose on any Lender or Issuing Bank or the applicable offshore interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or (iii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) with respect to its loans, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;
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and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender, Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase in any material respect the cost to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, Issuing Bank or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
(b) If any Lender or Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing in any material respect the rate of return on such Lender’s or the Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level in any material respect below that which such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.
(c) A certificate of a Lender or Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 2.15 shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrower shall pay such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within fifteen (15) days after receipt thereof.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or Issuing Bank pursuant to thisSection 2.15 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the one hundred and eighty (180) day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.
SECTION 2.16 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 2.17 Payments Free of Taxes.
(a) Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by any applicable withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17) the applicable Lender (or, in the case of a payment received by the Administrative Agent for its own account, the Administrative Agent)receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.
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(b) Payment of Other Taxes by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for, Other Taxes.
(c) Evidence of Payments. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(d) Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within fifteen (15) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2.17) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(e) Indemnification by the Lenders. Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within fifteen (15) days after written demand therefor, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(c) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case, that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with any Loan Document, and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to setoff and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under any Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to the Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this Section 2.17(e).
(f) Status of Lenders.
(i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding Tax with respect to payments made under any Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.
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(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(A) any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), two executed copies of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax;
(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally eligible to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), two executed copies of whichever of the following is applicable:
(1) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the U.S. is a party, an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN-E or IRS Form W-8BEN establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. federal withholding Tax pursuant to such tax treaty;
(2) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, IRS Form W-8ECI;
(3) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10-percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning ofSection 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, or a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and no payments under any Loan Documents are effectively connected with such Lender’s conduct of a U.S. trade or business (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) an executed copy of IRS Form W-8BEN-E or IRS Form W-8BEN; or
(4) to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Lender is a partnership or a participating Lender), IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, IRS Form W-8BEN, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-2 or Exhibit D-3, IRS Form W-9, and/or other certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and not a participating Lender, and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit D-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner;
(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally eligible to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), two executed copies of any other documentation prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction, if any, required to be made;
(D) if the Administrative Agent is a U.S. Person, it shall deliver to the Borrower on or prior to the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent under this Agreement with two duly completed copies of IRS Form W-9. If the Administrative Agent is not a U.S. Person, it shall provide to the Borrower on or prior to the date on which it becomes the Administrative Agent under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower): (A) two executed copies of IRS Form W-8ECI with respect to any amounts payable to the Administrative Agent for its own account, and (B) two executed copies of IRS Form W-8IMY with respect to any amounts payable to the Administrative Agent for the account of others, certifying that it is a “U.S. branch” and that the payments it receives for the account of others are not effectively connected with the conduct of its trade or business within the United States and that it is using such form as evidence of its agreement with the Borrower to be treated as a U.S. person with respect to such payments (and the Borrower and the Administrative Agent agree to so treat the Administrative Agent as a U.S.
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person with respect to such payments as contemplated by Section 1.1441-1(b)(2)(iv) of the United States Treasury Regulations); and (E) if a payment made to a Recipient under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Recipient were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Recipient shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine whether such Recipient has complied with such Recipient’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount, if any, to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.
Each Recipient agrees that if any documentation it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such documentation or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal ineligibility to do so. Each Recipient hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to deliver to the Loan Parties and to any successor Administrative Agent any documentation provided by such Recipient to the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.17(f). Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2.17(f), no Recipient shall be required to deliver any documentation that such Recipient is not legally eligible to deliver.
(g) Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.17 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this Section 2.17(g) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.17(g), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this Section 2.17(g) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid. This Section 2.17(g) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.
(h) Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.17 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document.
(i) Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “applicable law” includes FATCA and the term “Lender” includes any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender.
SECTION 2.18 Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs.
(a) The Borrower shall make each payment or prepayment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15, or 2.17, or otherwise) in Dollars prior to 2:00 p.m., on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, in immediately available funds, without setoff, recoupment or counterclaim.
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Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its applicable office or offices as described in the Administrative Questionnaire provided by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower from time to time, except payments to be made directly to Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. If any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. All payments hereunder shall be made in Dollars.
(b) Any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrower), or (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Required Lenders so direct, shall be applied, subject to the terms of any applicable Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement, ratably first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then payable to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), second, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements (other than principal, reimbursement obligations in respect of LC Disbursements, interest and Letter of Credit fees) payable to the Lenders and Issuing Banks from the Borrower (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), third, to pay accrued and unpaid Letter of Credit fees, interest on unreimbursed LC Disbursements and interest on the Loans, ratably among the Lenders and Issuing Banks, fourth, (A) to pay unpaid principal on the Loans and unreimbursed LC Disbursements, (B) to pay any then-owing regularly scheduled payments or termination payments (whether as a result of the occurrence of any event of default or other termination event) under any Swap Agreement Obligations and Banking Services Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.23 and (C) to cash collateralize that portion of LC Exposure comprising the undrawn amount of Letters of Credit in an amount equal to one hundred one percent (101%) of such LC Exposure, to the extent not otherwise cash collateralized by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.06 or Section 2.20, ratably among the Lenders, Issuing Banks, Swap Agreement counterparties and Banking Services providers; provided that (x) any such amounts applied pursuant to subclause (C) above shall be paid to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the applicable Issuing Banks to cash collateralize Obligations in respect of Letters of Credit, (y) subject to Section 2.06 or Section 2.20, amounts used to cash collateralize the aggregate amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to this subclause (C) shall be used to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur and (z) upon the expiration of any Letter of Credit (without any pending drawings), the pro rata share of cash collateral shall be distributed to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth in this Section 2.18(b), and fifth, to the payment of any other Secured Obligation due to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Secured Party from the Borrower or any other Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Borrower, or unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Term Benchmark Loan, except (i) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (ii) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding ABR Loans. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Secured Obligations arising under Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above and paid in clause sixth if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested from the applicable provider of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.
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(c) At the election of the Administrative Agent during the continuance of an Event of Default, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder (regardless of the conditions set forth in Section 4.04 not having been satisfied), whether made following a request by the Borrower pursuant toSection 2.03 or a deemed request as provided in this Section, or may be deducted from any deposit account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent.
(d) If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then earned, due and payable hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties in accordance with this Agreement, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then earned, due and payable hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties in accordance with this Agreement.
(e) Except as otherwise set forth herein, if any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any assignee or participant, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. For purposes of clause (b)(i) of the definition of “Excluded Taxes,” a participation acquired pursuant to this Section 2.18(e) shall be treated as having been acquired on the earlier date(s) on which the applicable Lender acquired the applicable interest in the Commitment(s) or Loan(s) to which such participation relates.
(f) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received, prior to any date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks pursuant to the terms hereof or any other Loan Document (including any date that is fixed for prepayment by notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.11(b)), notice from the Borrower that the Borrower will not make such payment or prepayment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, the amount due. In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.
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SECTION 2.19 Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.
(a) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Sections 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender. The Borrower hereby agrees, subject to Section 9.03(a), to pay all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.
(b) If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender or a Non-Consenting Lender, then, in each case, the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Sections 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment) or, at the Borrower’s election, reduce the Commitments on a non-pro rata basis; provided that (i) to the extent required under Section 9.04, the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and if a Commitment is being assigned, the Issuing Banks and Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, denied, conditioned or delayed, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and funded participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation permanently cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (i) an assignment and delegation required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (ii) the Lender required to make such assignment and delegation need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender; provided further that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.
SECTION 2.20 Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:
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(a) Commitment Fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a) and the Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any interest at the default rate payable hereunder for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee or interest that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender); (b) any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to any Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender hereunder; third, to cash collateralize LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with thisSection 2.20; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize future LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with this Section 2.20; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Disbursements in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.04 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and LC Disbursements owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.20 shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
(c) the Commitment and Credit Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment, waiver or other modification pursuant to Section 9.02); provided that this clause (c) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each directly and adversely affected Lender;
(d) if any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:
(i) all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender (other than, in the case of a Defaulting Lender that is the Swingline Lender, the portion of such Swingline Exposure referred to in clause (b) of the definition of such term) shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause such non-Defaulting Lender’s Credit Exposure to exceed its Commitment;
(ii) if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall within one Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize at 100% for the benefit of the Issuing Banks only the Borrower’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.06(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding; (iii) if the Borrower cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;
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(iv) if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.12(a) and 2.12(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages;
(v) the Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any interest at the default rate payable hereunder for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee or interest that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender); and
(vi) if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of any Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Banks until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and
(e) so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and the Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.20(d), and Swingline Exposure related to any newly made Swingline Loan or LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.20(d)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).
If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to a Lender Parent shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) the Swingline Lender or any Issuing Bank has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, no Swingline Lender shall be required to fund any Swingline Loan and no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, shall have entered into arrangements with the Borrower or such Lender, satisfactory to such Swingline Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.
In the event that each of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Commitment and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.
SECTION 2.21 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 2.22 Expansion Option; Incremental Facilities.
(a) The Borrower may from time to time elect to increase the Commitments in a minimum amount of $5,000,000 and an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof (each, an “Incremental Facility”); provided that the aggregate amount of all such Commitment increases, after giving effect thereto, shall not exceed the Incremental Cap; provided, further, that to the extent that a Leverage Covenant Triggering Event has not occurred as of the date of such increase in Commitments, the Minimum Liquidity Covenant shall be amended to increase the required minimum Liquidity to an amount equal to 40.0% of the aggregate amount of the Commitments after giving effect to such increased Commitments.
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Each request from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.22 shall set forth the requested amount and proposed terms of the relevant Commitment increase. The Borrower may arrange for any such Commitment increase to be provided by one or more Lenders (each Lender so agreeing to an increase in its Commitment, an “Increasing Lender”), or by one or more new banks, financial institutions or other entities (each such new bank, financial institution or other entity, an “Augmenting Lender”), to increase the existing Commitments; provided, that each Augmenting Lender (other than any Affiliate of an existing Lender) shall, to the extent required by Section 9.04, be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender, which approvals shall not be unreasonably withheld, denied, conditioned or delayed.
No existing Lender shall have any obligation or be required to provide any Commitment increase unless it expressly so agrees. No consent of any Lender (other than the Lenders participating in such Commitment increase) shall be required for any such increase pursuant to this Section 2.22.
(b) Commitment increases created pursuant to this Section 2.22 shall become effective on the date agreed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the relevant Increasing Lenders or Augmenting Lenders, and the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no increase in the Commitments (or in the Commitment of any Lender) shall become effective under this paragraph unless on the proposed date of the effectiveness of such Commitment increase, subject to a Limited Condition Transaction: (1) the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries set forth in this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty to the extent that it is already qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) as of such date (except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date, in which case, such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty to the extent that it is already qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof)); and (2) no Event of Default exists on such date.
(c) On the effective date of any increase in the Commitments, (i) to the extent applicable, each relevant Increasing Lender and Augmenting Lender shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such Commitment increase and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Loans of all the Lenders to equal its Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Loans and (ii) the Borrower shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Loans as of the date of any increase in the Commitments (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified in a notice delivered by the Borrower, in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.03). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid. The terms (including interest and fees) of any increase in the Commitments shall be the same to those of the existing Commitments.
(d) The Borrower and the Administrative Agent may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement (including, if applicable, the modification to the Minimum Liquidity Covenant described in clause (a) above) and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.22. Nothing contained in this Section 2.22 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Commitment hereunder at any time.
SECTION 2.23 Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent).
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In furtherance of that requirement, each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall furnish the Administrative Agent, from time to time after a significant change therein or upon a request therefor, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations. The most recent information provided to the Administrative Agent shall be used in determining which tier of the waterfall, contained in Section 2.18(b), such Banking Services Obligations and/or Swap Agreement Obligations will be placed. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as Wells Fargo or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither Wells Fargo nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.23 (and shall be deemed to have provided notices for all such amounts due or to become due for purposes hereof) in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Borrower and each other Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that:
SECTION 3.01 Organization; Powers. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is (a) (i) duly organized or incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation, (ii) has all requisite organizational power and authority to carry on its business, as now materially conducted and (b) is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except (in the case of clause (a)(ii) and this clause (b)) where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.02 Authorization; Enforceability. The Transactions are within each Loan Party’s organizational or constitutional powers and have been duly authorized by all necessary organizational and, if required, stockholder or other equity holder action. Each Loan Document to which each Loan Party is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (ii) the effect of foreign Laws, rules and regulations as they relate to pledges of Equity Interests in or Indebtedness owed by Foreign Subsidiaries.
SECTION 3.03 Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts. The Transactions (i) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, except for filings necessary to perfect and release existing Liens created pursuant to the Loan Documents and except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) will not violate in any respect any applicable law or regulation or the charter, by-laws or other organizational or constitutional documents of each Loan Party or any Subsidiaries or any order of any Governmental Authority except, in each case, as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (iii) will not violate or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument in respect to Material Indebtedness binding upon each Loan Party or any Subsidiary or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by each Loan Party or any Subsidiary except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (iv) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (other than Liens created pursuant to or otherwise permitted under the Loan Documents).
SECTION 3.04 Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.
(a) The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its (i) audited consolidated and balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024, reported on by its independent public accountants and (ii) unaudited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flow as of the end of and for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2025 and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year.
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Other than as described on Schedule 3.04, all such financial statements are prepared in accordance in all material respects with GAAP, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and to any other adjustments described therein (including the notes thereto, if any) and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of the operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such periods.
(b) Since December 31, 2024, there has been no event, development or circumstance that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.05 Properties; Intellectual Property.
(a) As of the date of this Agreement, Schedule 3.05 sets forth the address of each parcel of real property that is owned by any Loan Party. Each of the Loan Parties and each Subsidiary has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business, except (x) for defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as conducted from time to time or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes and (y) to the extent encumbered by Liens permitted under the Loan Documents and except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) (i) A correct and complete list of all Intellectual Property owned by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary that is registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Office, as of the date of this Agreement, is set forth on Schedule 3.05, and (ii) each item is subsisting, unexpired, valid, enforceable and has not been abandoned or cancelled, in each case of (i) and (ii), except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary owns, or is licensed to use, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens, all Intellectual Property necessary and material to its business as currently conducted, and (x) to the knowledge of each Loan Party, the operation of their respective business by each Loan Party and each Subsidiary does not infringe upon, misappropriate or violate the rights of any other Person (and no proceeding is pending alleging same), and (y) no Person is infringing, misappropriating or violating the Intellectual Property owned by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, except for, in each case of (x) and (y), any such infringements, misappropriations or violations that, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.06 Litigation and Environmental Matters.
(a) There are no actions, suits, proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened in writing against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect other than as set forth on Schedule 3.06 or (ii) that involve any Loan Document or the Transactions.
(b) (i) no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or knows of any basis for any such Environmental Liability, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) except with respect to any other matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, no Loan Party nor any of its Subsidiaries (1) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law or (2) has become subject to any Environmental Liability.
SECTION 3.07 Compliance with Laws and Agreements. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority binding on it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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SECTION 3.08 Investment Company Status. No Loan Party nor any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SECTION 3.09 Taxes. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary has timely filed or caused to be filed all U.S. federal income and all other Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes (including in its capacity as a withholding agent) required to have been paid by it, except Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which such Loan Party or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves in accordance with GAAP or where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. No investigations are being conducted, and no claim has been made by any Governmental Authority against any Loan Party with respect to Taxes except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.10 ERISA.
(a) No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect
SECTION 3.11 Disclosure.
(a) No written information of a factual nature (other than the projections, budgets, estimates, other forward-looking information and information of a general economic or industry specific nature) furnished by or by a representative of the Loan Parties on behalf of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished) when taken as a whole contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, when taken as a whole, not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements are made; provided that, with respect to any projections, other forward-looking information and information of a general economic or industry specific nature, the Loan Parties represent only that such projections, other forward-looking information were prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time delivered and, if such projections were delivered prior to the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date, it being recognized by Lenders that any such projections, other forward-looking information and information of a general economic or industry specific nature are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Loan Parties’ control, that no assurance can be given that any particular projections will be realized and that actual results may differ and that such differences may be material and are not a guarantee of performance.
(b) As of the Effective Date, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, the information included in the Beneficial Ownership Certification provided on or prior to the Effective Date to any Lender in connection with this Agreement is true and correct in all material respects.
SECTION 3.12 No Default. No Default or Event of Default exists or would result from the incurrence by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any Obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document.
SECTION 3.13 Solvency. On the Effective Date, the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.
SECTION 3.14 Insurance. Schedule 3.14 sets forth a description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties as of the Effective Date. The Loan Parties believe that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries is adequate and customary for companies engaged in the same or similar businesses of similar size operating in the same or similar locations.
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SECTION 3.15 Capitalization and Subsidiaries. As of the Effective Date, Schedule 3.15 is a complete list of each of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries and such Subsidiary’s jurisdiction of incorporation. All of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests owned by any Loan Party in each of its Subsidiaries have been (to the extent such concepts are relevant with respect to such ownership interests) duly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable.
SECTION 3.16 Security Interest in Collateral. The provisions of (and subject to the terms thereof) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal, valid and enforceable (except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law and (ii) the effect of foreign Laws, rules and regulations as they relate to pledges of Equity Interests in or Indebtedness owed by Foreign Subsidiaries) Liens on and security interests in, all the Collateral purported to be secured by the Collateral Documents in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and (a) when all appropriate filings, notices or recordings are made in appropriate offices, corporate records or with the appropriate Persons as may be required under applicable laws and/or any Collateral Documents, together with payment of all required fees and costs (which filings, notices or recordings shall be made to the extent required by any Collateral Document) and (b) upon the taking of possession or control by the Administrative Agent of such Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Administrative Agent to the extent required by any Collateral Document), such Liens will constitute perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral, securing the Secured Obligations and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral except (i) Permitted Liens, (ii) Liens perfected only by possession (including possession of any certificate of title), but only to the extent the Administrative Agent has not obtained or does not maintain possession of such Collateral and (iii) any Liens not required to be perfected under any of the Loan Documents or by the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 3.17 Employment Matters. As of the Effective Date, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against any Loan Party or any Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened in writing that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. In the past three (3) years, the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters in a manner resulting in liabilities that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 3.18 Margin Regulations. No Loan Party is engaged and will not engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no part of the proceeds of any Borrowing and no Letter of Credit hereunder will be used to buy or carry any Margin Stock. Following the application of the proceeds of each Borrowing or drawing under each Letter of Credit, not more than 25% of the value of the assets (either of any Loan Party only or of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis) will be Margin Stock.
SECTION 3.19 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 3.20 Anti-Corruption and Anti-Terrorism Laws and Sanctions.
(a) Each Loan Party has implemented and maintains in effect or is subject to policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions, and such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors and employees and, to the knowledge of such Loan Party, its agents, are in compliance with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws and Sanctions in all material respects. None of (a) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors or officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary or any agent of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds, Transaction or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate applicable Anti-Corruption Laws, Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions.
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(b) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans will be used only (i) to pay fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions and (ii) for working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (including the financing of Permitted Acquisitions, capital expenditures, Investments, Restricted Payments and the refinancing of Indebtedness, in each case, not prohibited by the Loan Documents).
SECTION 3.21 Federal Reserve Regulations. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose, whether immediate, incidental or ultimate, of buying or carrying margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Board), and no part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used, to buy or carry, or to extend credit to others to buy or carry, any margin stock or for any other purpose that entails a violation of any Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X.
ARTICLE IV
CONDITIONS
SECTION 4.01 Effective Date. The Agreement shall be effective and valid and binding on each party hereto on the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):
(a) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party (which, subject to Section 9.06(b)(x), may include any Electronic Signatures transmitted by email pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) and (ii) duly executed copies of the other Loan Documents.
(b) The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received:
(i) subject to Section 5.13, from the Loan Parties executed counterparts of the Collateral Documents set forth on Schedule 4.01(b) to be entered into on and as of the Effective Date;
(ii) with respect to each Loan Party, UCC-1 financing statements in a form appropriate for filing in the state of organization of such Loan Party;
(iii) subject to Section 5.13, delivery of original stock or share certificates for certificated Equity Interests of each Subsidiary that constitutes Collateral, together with appropriate duly executed instruments of transfer endorsed in blank;
(iv) all promissory notes evidencing the Collateral accompanied by instruments of transfer endorsed in blank; and
(v) insurance certificates satisfying the requirements of Section 5.09.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, counsel for the Loan Parties, and covering such other matters relating to the Loan Parties, this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, or the Transactions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request. The Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinion.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall have received: (i) a copy of each organizational or constitutional document of each Loan Party and, to the extent applicable, certified as of a recent date by the appropriate governmental official; (ii) incumbency certificates of the officers of the Loan Parties executing the Loan Documents to which it is a party as of the Effective Date; (iii) resolutions of the board of directors (or, if applicable, shareholders) or similar governing body of each Loan Party approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party as of the Effective Date and certified as of the Effective Date by such Loan Party as being in full force and effect without modification or amendment; and (iv) a good standing certificate (to the extent such concept is known in the relevant jurisdiction) from the applicable Governmental Authority of each Loan Party’s respective jurisdiction of incorporation, organization or formation dated as of a recent date prior to the Effective Date.
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(e) The IPO shall have been consummated and the IPO Proceeds Condition shall have been satisfied.
(f) The results of a recent lien search in the jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party and its respective Subsidiaries, tax and judgement lien searches at the jurisdiction of the chief executive office and the results of search reports in respect of the registered and applied-for Intellectual Property of each Loan Party and its Subsidiaries, and such search shall not reveal any Liens on any of the assets of such Loan Parties and its Subsidiaries except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02 or discharged on or prior to the Effective Date pursuant to a pay-off letter or other documentation reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(g) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Solvency Certificate.
(h) (A) The Administrative Agent shall have received at least three (3) days prior to the Effective Date, all documentation and other information with respect to the Borrower and the Guarantors required under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act, to the extent shall have reasonably requested in writing of the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date and (B) to the extent the Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, at least three (3) days prior to the Effective Date, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to the Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (B) shall be deemed to be satisfied).
(i) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each Loan Party set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty to the extent that it is already qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of such date (except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date, in which case, such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all materials respects (or all respects, as applicable) as of such earlier date).
(j) No Default or Event of Default hereunder shall have occurred and be continuing.
(k) Since December 31, 2024, no Material Adverse Effect shall have occurred or exist.
(l) The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower certifying that each of the conditions specified in paragraphs (i), (j) and (k) of this Section 4.01 has been satisfied.
(m) The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) the financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and (ii) reasonably detailed financial projections of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries .
(n) The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees earned, due and payable hereunder or under the Fee Letters and to the extent invoiced at least one (1) Business Day prior to the Effective Date, shall have been reimbursed, subject to Section 9.03(a), for all reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses of Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP) required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower hereunder.
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(o) Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or federal Intellectual Property security interest filings) required by the Collateral Documents or under law to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a perfected (if and to the extent required to be perfected under the Loan Documents) Lien on the Collateral described therein, shall be in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.
(p) The Existing Debt Repayment shall have been, or, substantially concurrently with the occurrence of the Effective Date, shall be, consummated.
For purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Effective Date specifying its objection thereto.
SECTION 4.02 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 4.03 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 4.04 Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing and of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit, in each case, is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:
(a) The representations and warranties of the Borrower and each Loan Party set forth in this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that such materiality qualifier shall not be applicable to any representation or warranty to the extent that it is already qualified or modified by materiality in the text thereof) on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly relates to an earlier date, in which case, such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (or all respects, as applicable) as of such earlier date).
(b) At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received a Borrowing Request meeting the requirements of Section 2.03.
Each Borrowing (provided that a conversion or a continuation of a Borrowing shall not constitute a “Borrowing” for purposes of this Section 4.04) (in the case of any Incremental Loan, subject to Section 2.22(b) and, in the case of any Borrowing to finance a Limited Condition Transaction, subject to Section 1.14(g)) and each issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 4.04.
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ARTICLE V
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
Until the Commitments have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been Paid in Full and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated, in each case, without any pending draw, and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed (or cash collateralized in accordance with the terms herein), the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 5.01 Financial Statements and Other Information. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent (for prompt distribution to the Lenders):
(a) within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, the date that is five (5) Business Days after the reporting date for such information required by the SEC, including after giving effect to any extension pursuant to any securities law, including pursuant to Rule 12b-25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, its audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national or regional standing or any other accounting firm reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit other than a qualification resulting from (i) an upcoming maturity date occurring within one year from the time such opinion is delivered, (ii) a prospective or actual default in respect of any financial maintenance covenant in any agreement governing Indebtedness of the Borrower or any subsidiary, or (iii) any “emphasis of matter” paragraph) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance in all material respects with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(b) within sixty (60) days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or, if earlier, the date that is five (5) Business Days after the reporting date for such information required by the SEC, including after giving effect to any extension pursuant to any securities law, including pursuant to Rule 12b-25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2025, its consolidated balance sheet, stockholders’ equity and related statements of operations and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures as of the end of and for the corresponding period or periods of the previous fiscal year, all certified by a Responsible Officer as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance in all material respects with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(c) within five (5) Business Days of any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a Compliance Certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (i) certifying as to whether a Default has occurred and is continuing and, if a Default has occurred and is continuing, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto and (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Section 6.10; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, any Compliance Certificate delivered for the fourth fiscal quarter of any fiscal year shall be for informational purposes only;
(d) promptly after the same are available to the public, copies of management’s discussion and analysis of the financial position and financial performance in relationship to the financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a);
(e) promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent (or any Lender through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request and to the extent reasonably available to the Borrower; provided, none of the Borrower or any Subsidiary will be required to disclose or deliver information (i) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by any law or regulation, any fiduciary duty or by any binding agreement, (ii) that constitutes trade secrets or (iii) that is subject to attorney-client privilege or constitutes attorney work product; (f) promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with the SEC or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said commission or with any national securities exchange;
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(g) promptly after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, copies of each notice or other correspondence received from the SEC (or comparable agency in any applicable non-U.S. jurisdiction) concerning any investigation or possible investigation or other inquiry by the SEC or such other agency regarding financial or other operational results of the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof;
(h) promptly following any request therefor, information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA Patriot Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, as applicable.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a), (b), (d) or (f) (to the extent any such documents are included in materials otherwise filed with the SEC) may be delivered electronically and, if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which such materials are publicly available as posted on the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (EDGAR); or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrower’s behalf on an Internet or intranet website made available by the Administrative Agent to which each Lender has access.
The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or any Arranger will make available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, “Borrower Materials”) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the “Platform”) and (b) certain of the Lenders (each, a “Public Lender”) may have personnel who do not wish to receive Material Non-Public Information and who may be engaged in investment and other market-related activities with respect to such Persons’ securities. The Borrower hereby agrees that so long as the Borrower or its subsidiaries is the issuer of any outstanding debt or equity securities that are registered or issued pursuant to a private offering it will use commercially reasonable efforts to identify that portion of the Borrower Materials that may be distributed to the Public Lenders and that: (w) all such Borrower Materials shall be clearly and conspicuously marked “PUBLIC” which, at a minimum, shall mean that the word “PUBLIC” shall appear prominently on the first page thereof; (x) by marking Borrower Materials “PUBLIC,” the Borrower shall be deemed to have authorized the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders to treat such Borrower Materials as not containing any Material Non-Public Information (although it may be sensitive and proprietary); (y) all Borrower Materials marked “PUBLIC” are permitted to be made available through a portion of the Platform designated “Public Side Information”; and (z) the Administrative Agent and the Arrangers shall treat any Borrower Materials that are not marked “PUBLIC” as being suitable only for posting on a portion of the Platform not designated “Public Side Information.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall be under no obligation to mark any Borrower Materials “PUBLIC”; provided, however, that the following Borrower Materials shall be deemed to be marked “PUBLIC” unless the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent promptly that any such document contains Material Non-Public Information: (1) the Loan Documents, (2) any notification of changes in the terms of the Facilities and (3) all information delivered pursuant to Sections 5.01(a), 5.01(b) and 5.01(c).
SECTION 5.02 Notices of Material Events. The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent (for prompt distribution to the Lenders) prompt written notice promptly following a Responsible Officer becoming aware of the existence of the following:
(a) any condition or event that constitutes a Default or Event of Default;
(b) any litigation or of any investigative proceedings by a Governmental Authority commenced or threatened in writing against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of which they have notice, the outcome of which, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;
(c) promptly upon becoming aware of the occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; (d) promptly after becoming aware of any condition affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary that results in, or would reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; and
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(e) any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to such Lender that to the Borrower’s knowledge would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification.
Each notice delivered under this Section 5.02 (i) shall be in writing, (ii) shall contain a heading or a reference line that reads “Notice under Section 5.02” and (iii) shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer or other executive officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.
SECTION 5.03 Existence; Conduct of Business. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, do or cause to be done all things reasonably necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence and the rights, qualifications, licenses, permits, franchises, governmental authorizations, licenses and permits material to the conduct of the Borrower’s business when taken as a whole, and maintain all requisite authority to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which its business is conducted, except, in each case, where failure to maintain such requisite authority or failure to maintain such right, qualification, license, permit, franchise, governmental authorization, license or permit would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any merger, consolidation, liquidation or dissolution or any other transaction permitted by Article VI.
SECTION 5.04 Payment of Taxes. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, pay or discharge all U.S. federal and all other material Taxes (including in its capacity as a withholding agent, and which may, for the avoidance of doubt, be effected through the payment of a Tax Distribution), before the same shall become delinquent or in default (taking into account applicable grace periods), except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and such Loan Party or such Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP or (b) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.05 Maintenance of Properties. Except to the extent it would not be reasonably expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, keep and maintain all tangible property, material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear and damage by fire or other casualty excepted.
SECTION 5.06 Books and Records; Inspection Rights. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, (a) keep proper books of record and account in which true and complete entries in all material respects in accordance with GAAP will be made reflecting all of its and its Subsidiaries material business and financial transactions; provided that, it being understood and agreed that Foreign Subsidiaries may maintain individual books and records in conformity in all material respects with generally accepted accounting principles that are applicable in their respective jurisdiction of organization, and (b) permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders (including employees of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any consultants, accountants, lawyers, agents and appraisers retained by the Administrative Agent, in each case, who have signed a non-disclosure agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower), upon reasonable prior written notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make copies from its books and records, including to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers, all at such reasonable times during Borrower’s normal business hours; provided, however, that so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, such visits shall be limited to no more than once per fiscal year. In the absence of a continuing Event of Default only one (1) such examination in any period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months shall be conducted (as coordinated by the Administrative Agent) and shall be at the Borrower’s expense, and during the continuance of an Event of Default all such examinations shall be at the Borrower’s expense (and may occur with greater frequency); provided, that any and all expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 5.06 in the absence of a continuing Event of Default shall be solely at such Lender’s expense and Borrower shall have no obligation to reimburse any such Lender’s expenses. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.06, no Borrower nor any Subsidiary will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies of abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter (i) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by any law or regulation or by any binding agreement (ii) that is a trade secret or (iii) that is subject to attorney-client privilege or constitutes attorney work product.
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SECTION 5.07 Compliance with Laws. Each Loan Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply with all material laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property (including without limitation Environmental Laws) and except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party will maintain in effect and enforce or be subject to policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance in all material respects by Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions.
SECTION 5.08 Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit. The proceeds of the Loans will be used only for purposes permitted under Section 3.20(b). No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used to buy or carry, or to extend credit to others to buy or carry, any Margin Stock or for any other purpose that entails a violation of any of the Regulations of the Board, including Regulations T, U and X. All Letters of Credit will be issued only to support general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. The Borrower will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and the Borrower shall not use, and shall procure that its Subsidiaries and its or their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use the proceeds of any Borrowing or use any Letter of Credit (a) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (b) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, in each case in violation of Sanctions, or (c) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Anti-Money Laundering Laws or Sanctions applicable to any party hereto.
SECTION 5.09 Insurance.
(a) Each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, maintain with financially sound and reputable carriers (after giving effect to any self-insurance customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses and in similar locations as the Borrower and the Subsidiaries) (i) insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks and such other hazards, as the Borrower in the exercise of its reasonable judgment deem to be adequate, as are customary in the industry for companies of established reputation engaged in the same or similar business in the same or similar locations and owning or operating similar properties, and (ii) all insurance required pursuant to the Collateral Documents. During an Event of Default, the Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent, upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained. The Borrower shall deliver, within ninety (90) days (or such later date as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion) after the Effective Date, to the Administrative Agent endorsements (x) to all property or casualty insurance policies covering Collateral naming the Administrative Agent as lender loss payee, (y) to all general liability and other liability policies naming the Administrative Agent an additional insured, which endorsements shall be in effect at all times and (z) providing that thirty (30) days’ advance notice will be given to Administrative Agent prior to any cancellation or non-renewal of such policy (or ten (10) days’ advance notice prior to any such cancellation due to non-payment of premium). In the event the Borrower or any Subsidiary at any time hereafter shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies or insurance required herein or to pay any premium in whole or in part relating thereto, then the Administrative Agent, without waiving or releasing any obligations or resulting Default hereunder, may at any time or times thereafter (but shall be under no obligation to do so), in consultation with the Borrower, obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premiums and take any other action with respect thereto which the Administrative Agent reasonably deems necessary to ensure compliance under this Section 5.09. All sums so disbursed by the Administrative Agent shall constitute part of the Obligations, payable as provided in this Agreement. No later than ninety (90) days (or such later date as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion) after the Effective Date (or the date any such insurance is obtained, renewed or extended in the case of insurance obtained, renewed or extended after the Effective Date), the Borrower will cause all property and casualty insurance policies with respect to Collateral to be endorsed or otherwise amended to include a lender’s loss payable, mortgagee or additional insured, as applicable, endorsement, or otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
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(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any improved portion of any Mortgaged Property is at any time located in an area identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (or any successor agency) as a special flood hazard area with respect to which flood insurance has been made available under the Flood Insurance Laws, then the Borrower shall, or shall cause the applicable Loan Party to (i) to the extent required pursuant to the Flood Insurance Laws, maintain, or cause to be maintained, with a financially sound and reputable insurer (determined at the time such insurance is obtained), flood insurance in an amount and otherwise sufficient to comply with all applicable rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to such Flood Insurance Laws and (ii) deliver to Administrative Agent evidence of such compliance in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Administrative Agent.
SECTION 5.10 Additional Subsidiaries. In the event (i) the Borrower acquires or creates any Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) or (ii) any Excluded Subsidiary ceases to be an Excluded Subsidiary after the Effective Date, the Borrower shall promptly (and in any event within ninety (90) days (or such longer time as the Administrative Agent may agree in its reasonable discretion) after the acquisition or creation or designation of such Subsidiary, or change in such Subsidiary’s status as an Excluded Subsidiary) cause such Subsidiary to become a Guarantor by delivering to the Administrative Agent (x) a Joinder Agreement, duly executed by such Subsidiary, pursuant to which such Subsidiary agrees to be bound by the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and (y) such joinders or supplements to the Security Agreement and/or the other relevant Collateral Documents and such other documents as may be necessary to perfect (if and to the extent required to be perfected under any of the Loan Documents) the Lien in any property of such Subsidiary which constitutes Collateral in accordance with all applicable Requirements of Law, including the filing of financing statements and such joinders to be accompanied by appropriate corporate resolutions, other corporate organizational documentation and customary legal opinions upon the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.
SECTION 5.11 Additional Collateral; Further Assurances.
(a) The Borrower will, and each Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) will, cause (i) all of its Collateral and (ii) all outstanding equity interests of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries to the extent constituting Collateral (limited to 65% of the voting equity interests and 100% of any non-voting equity interests of any Foreign Subsidiary Holding Company or any CFC), excluding any Subsidiaries of Foreign Subsidiary Holding Companies or CFCs, to be subject at all times to first priority, perfected (if and to the extent required to be perfected under any of the Loan Documents) Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties to secure the Secured Obligations in accordance with, and subject to, the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents, subject in any case to Liens permitted by Section 6.02.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01, as applicable), which may be required by law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to ensure perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents (and subject to the exceptions set forth therein and in any other Loan Document).
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(c) If, after the Effective Date, any Loan Party acquires any Material Real Property (other than an Excluded Property), the Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof and shall deliver, or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent within one-hundred-twenty (120) days of such acquisition (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in sole discretion) (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such Mortgaged Property, (ii) a fully paid lender’s policy of title insurance (or a marked unconditional title insurance commitment or pro forma policy having the effect of a policy of title insurance) issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens) on the Mortgaged Property described therein, naming the Administrative Agent and its respective successors and assigns as the insured, free of any other Liens (other than Permitted Liens), together with such customary lender’s endorsements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to the extent available in the applicable jurisdiction at commercially reasonable rates, in an amount reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, (iii) in each case if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, a customary legal opinion with respect to each such Mortgage, from counsel qualified to opine in each jurisdiction where a Mortgaged Property is located regarding the enforceability of the Mortgage, and in each case, such other customary matters as may be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (iv) a survey or existing survey together with a no change affidavit of such Mortgaged Property, sufficient for the title company to issue a lender’s title policy with the standard survey exception omitted from and customary survey endorsements included in such title policy, (v) evidence of payment of title insurance premiums and expenses and all recording, mortgage, transfer and stamp taxes and fees payable in connection with recording the Mortgage, any amendments thereto and any fixture filings in appropriate county land office(s) and (vi) a completed “Life-of-Loan” Federal Emergency Management Agency standard flood hazard determination with respect to each such Mortgaged Property, and if such Mortgaged Property is located in a special flood hazard area, a notice about special flood hazard area status and flood disaster assistance duly executed by Borrower and the applicable Loan Party relating thereto together with evidence of insurance as required pursuant to Section 5.09(b).
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document, it is understood and agreed that, unless otherwise decided by the Borrower, in its sole discretion:
(i) no Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall be required to take any action outside the United States to guarantee the Obligations or grant, maintain or perfect any security interest in the Collateral (including the execution of any agreement, document or other instrument governed by the law of any jurisdiction other than the United States, any State thereof or the District of Columbia);
(ii) [intentionally omitted];
(iii) the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates shall not be required, nor shall the Administrative Agent be authorized, and no representation, warranty, or covenant in any Loan Document shall be considered to be breached by any failure, (x) to perfect any Lien by any means other than by (A) filings pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code in the office of the secretary of state (or equivalent filing office of any relevant State), (B) Intellectual Property security interest filings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or United States Copyright Office as expressly required herein and under the other Loan Documents, (C) control agreements as set forth in Section 5.14, (D) delivery of Equity Interest and material instruments (as defined in the UCC) and (E) real estate mortgages in respect of Material Real Property to the extent required under the Loan Documents, (y) to take any action in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or pursuant to the requirements of the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction in order to create any security interests or to perfect any security interests in assets located outside of (or governed by or arising or existing under, pursuant to or by virtue of any Laws outside of) the United States, including with respect to any Intellectual Property registered outside of the United States (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements governed by the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction), or (z) to enter into any source code escrow arrangement (or be obligated to register or apply to register any Intellectual Property);
(iv) no landlord waivers, collateral access agreements, bailee waivers or other similar agreements with respect to the Collateral shall be required hereunder or under any other Loan Document; (v) no notice to obtain the consent of any Governmental Authority under the Federal Assignment of Claims Act (or any state equivalent thereof) shall be required; and
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(vi) no environmental reports shall be required to be obtained hereunder or under any other Loan Document.
SECTION 5.12 Transactions with Affiliates. No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates in excess of $10,000,000, except (a) transactions on fair and reasonable terms in the ordinary course of business (as determined by the Borrower), (b) the payment of reasonable fees and reasonable expense reimbursements to directors, officers, advisors and employees of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, and compensation and indemnification of, and other employment agreements and arrangements, employee benefit plans and stock incentive plans paid to directors, officers, advisors and employees of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, (c) transactions undertaken in good faith for the purpose of improving the consolidated tax efficiency of a Loan Party and its Subsidiaries and are not, taken as a whole, materially adverse to the security interest securing the Obligations or to the Loan Guaranty, (d) other transactions to the extent permitted by the terms of this Agreement, (e) transactions that are at prices and on other terms and conditions, taken as a whole, not materially less favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties (as determined in good faith by such Loan Party or Subsidiary), (f) [intentionally omitted], (g) so long as no Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h) has occurred and is continuing, the payment of management, monitoring, consulting, advisory and other fees (including transaction and termination fees) in the maximum amount permitted pursuant to the Management Agreement as in effect on the Effective Date; provided that, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h) such amounts described in this clause (i) may accrue, but not be payable in cash during such period, but all such accrued amounts may be payable in cash upon the cure or waiver of such Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h); (ii) indemnifications and reimbursement of expenses, in each case, pursuant to the Management Agreement; and (iii) the payment of indemnities and reasonable expenses of Sponsor related to Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (h) transactions approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Borrower, (i) any transaction in respect of which the Borrower delivers to the Administrative Agent a letter addressed to the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Borrower from an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm, in each case of nationally recognized standing that is in the good faith determination of the Borrower qualified to render such letter, which letter states that (x) such transaction is on terms that are substantially no less favorable, when taken as a whole, to the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary, as applicable, than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a person that is not an Affiliate or (y) such transaction is fair, when taken as a whole, to the Borrower or the applicable Subsidiary, as applicable, from a financial point of view, and (j) the IPO and the transactions related thereto.
SECTION 5.13 Post-Effective Date Covenant . The Borrower agrees to deliver, or cause to be delivered (or to use commercially reasonable efforts to deliver or cause to be delivered, to the extent applicable and specified on Schedule 5.13), to the Administrative Agent, the items described on Schedule 5.13 hereof on or before the dates specified with respect to such items, or such later dates as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.
SECTION 5.14 Cash Management. In the event Unrestricted Cash of Borrower and its Subsidiaries is less than $150,000,000, as set forth in a Compliance Certificate, the Borrower shall, and shall cause each Loan Party, within 90 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree) following delivery of such Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 5.01(c), to use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into a Control Account Agreement with the Administrative Agent and each bank or other financial institution with which the Borrower or any Loan Party maintains a deposit account or securities account (other than (i) any account in which the aggregate average daily maximum balance over a 30-day period does not at any time exceed (x) $2,500,000 for any single deposit account or securities account or (y) $10,000,000 in the aggregate for all such accounts, (ii) zero-balance accounts solely for the purpose of managing local disbursements, payroll and withholding, (iii) Fiduciary Accounts, and (iv) accounts solely holding cash collateral that is subject of a deposit or pledge constituting a Lien securing obligations other than the Secured Obligations, which Lien is expressly permitted hereunder (collectively, the accounts described in clauses (i) through (iv) above, the “Unrestricted Accounts”)) (each, a “Controlled Account”). In addition, each Loan Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into a Control Account Agreement with respect to any new deposit account or securities account (other than any Unrestricted Account), in each case within 120 days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may reasonably agree) after such account is established.
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If any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may (at the direction of the Required Lenders) cause the applicable depositary bank or securities intermediary to honor the instructions of the Administrative Agent with respect to any Controlled Account in accordance with the terms of the applicable Control Account Agreement.
SECTION 5.15 Negative Pledge. Each Loan Party hereby agrees and covenants that from and after the Effective Date, without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such Loan Party will not, other than with respect to a sale and leaseback transaction, a Disposition to a Loan Party (or as a result of a merger of one Loan Party into another Loan Party), or other Permitted Lien (other than clause (y) of the definition of Permitted Liens) permitted by the terms of this Agreement, sell, convey, or otherwise transfer, encumber, assign, permit a security interest to attach to, pledge, or mortgage the Bertram Property.
ARTICLE VI
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
Until the Commitments have expired or terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder have been Paid in Full and all Letters of Credit have expired or terminated, in each case, without any pending draw, and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed (or cash collateralized or backstopped in accordance with the terms herein), the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:
SECTION 6.01 Indebtedness. No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit any of its respective Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) the Secured Obligations;
(b) Indebtedness existing on the date hereof (i) not in excess of $2,000,000 in the aggregate, (ii) set forth in Schedule 6.01 and (iii) any extensions, renewals, refinancings and replacements of any such Indebtedness described in clauses (i) and (ii) herein in accordance with clause (t) hereof;
(c) Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Subsidiary and of any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, provided that (i) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to the Borrower or any other Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04, and (ii) Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subordinated to the Obligations on terms reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (it being understood that the subordination terms of the Intercompany Note are satisfactory to the Administrative Agent);
(d) Guarantees by a Loan Party of Indebtedness or other obligations of any other Loan Party and by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party of Indebtedness or other obligations of any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary;
(e) Indebtedness incurred in the ordinary course of business with respect to (i) capital lease (including any Capital Lease Obligations), (ii) financing lease, (iii) construction financing and (iv) purchase money Indebtedness (including any Indebtedness acquired in connection with a Permitted Acquisition or acquisition of equipment); provided that any such Indebtedness shall, as applicable, be secured only by (w) the asset subject to such capital lease or by the asset acquired in connection with the incurrence, renewal, extension, restructuring or refinancing of such Indebtedness, in each case together with proceeds, accessions or products of any disposition thereof and any related security deposits, (x) deposit accounts and reserve accounts solely related to such construction financing, (y) the assets subject to any cross-collateralization of obligations owed to the holder of such Indebtedness with respect to any capital lease (including any Capital Lease Obligations), construction financing, financing lease or purchase money Indebtedness and (z) the assets being constructed pursuant to such construction financing; provided that, with respect to any transaction that includes cross-collateralization of obligations owed to any holder of such Indebtedness; (f) Indebtedness of a Loan Party or any Subsidiary as an account party in respect of commercial letters of credit;
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(g) So long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Indebtedness of any Loan Party issued in lieu of the Incremental Facilities that is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis, junior lien basis or unsecured basis (“Incremental Equivalent Debt”) in an amount not to exceed, (i) $50,000,000 (minus any amounts used pursuant to the basket set forth in clause (a) of the definition of “Incremental Cap” pursuant to Section 2.22), plus (ii) unlimited amounts so long as (x) in the case of Indebtedness secured by Liens on the Collateral that rank pari passu with the Liens securing the Loans, such Indebtedness does not exceed a Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio of 2.50:1.00 (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis), (y) in the case of Indebtedness secured by Liens on the Collateral that rank junior to the Liens on the Collateral securing the Loans, the Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio to exceed 3.00:1.00 and (z) in the case of unsecured Indebtedness, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio to exceed 3.50:1.00 (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis); provided that such Incremental Equivalent Debt (i) does not mature prior to the latest final maturity date of the Loans, (ii) have covenants and defaults (x) that reflect market terms and conditions (taken as a whole) at the time of incurrence or issuance (as determined by the Borrower) or (ii) not materially more restrictive (excluding pricing), when taken as a whole, than those under this Agreement (except for covenants or other provisions (x) applicable only to periods after the latest final maturity of any Class of then outstanding Loans hereunder or (y) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent), (iii) shall not be secured by any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Loan Parties that does not also secure the Loans, or be guaranteed by any Person other than the Guarantors, (iv) the amortization on such Indebtedness shall not exceed 20% per annum and (v) shall be subject to an Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement; provided, further, that if Incremental Equivalent Debt incurred under clause (g)(i) is incurred concurrently with the incurrence of Incremental Equivalent Debt in reliance on clause (g)(ii) above (or any other fixed basket hereunder), the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall be permitted to exceed the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio set forth in clause (g(ii) above to the extent of such amounts incurred in reliance on clause (g)(i) (or any other fixed basket hereunder) solely for the purpose of determining whether such concurrently incurred amounts incurred under clause (g)(ii) are permissible (it being understood that (I) if the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio incurrence test is met, then, at the election of the Borrower, any Incremental Equivalent Debt or other Indebtedness permitted hereunder may be incurred under clause (g)(ii) above regardless of whether there is capacity under clause (g)(i) above (or any other fixed basket) and (II) any portion of any incremental Commitment or other Indebtedness permitted hereunder incurred in reliance on clause (g)(i) (or any other fixed basket) shall be automatically reclassified as incurred under clause (g)(ii) if the Borrower meets the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Secured Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio under clause (g)(ii) at such time on a Pro Forma Basis);
(h) Indebtedness (in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, warehouse receipts or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business) owed to any Person providing workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business or existing on the Effective Date;
(i) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation, severance, pension, and health and welfare retirement benefits or the equivalent to current and former employees, officers, directors, advisors or consultants of any Loan Party and its Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business or existing on the Effective Date;
(j) Indebtedness or obligations (in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice) of any Loan Party in respect of self-insurance, performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds, statutory and similar obligations, in each case provided in the ordinary course of business; (k) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;
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(l) Indebtedness arising out of judgments or awards under circumstances not giving rise to an Event of Default;
(m) additional Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount (for the Borrower and all Subsidiaries) not to exceed $20,000,000;
(n) (x) Subordinated Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount for all such Subordinated Indebtedness at any time outstanding, not to exceed, $50,000,000 and (y) Junior Lien Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount for all such Junior Lien Indebtedness at any time outstanding, not to exceed, together with amounts incurred under clause (n)(x) above and clause (u) below, $50,000,000; provided, that, (i) in each case in this clause (n), (A) such Indebtedness shall have a stated final maturity that is no earlier than, solely with respect to Subordinated Indebtedness, six months after the Latest Maturity Date and, solely with respect to Junior Lien Indebtedness, 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date and (B) such Indebtedness shall be subject to an Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement, (ii) solely with respect to Junior Lien Indebtedness, (x) no Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall have Guarantee obligations with respect to obligations of the borrower thereunder, (y) such Indebtedness shall not be secured by a Lien on any asset that does not constitute Collateral, and (z) the applicable interest rate on such Indebtedness shall not exceed 10% per annum, other than interest that takes the form of pay-in-kind interest, and (iii) solely with respect to Subordinated Indebtedness, (x) the interest on such Indebtedness shall only be payable in kind and (y) such Indebtedness shall not include any amortization, mandatory redemption, repurchase or repayment features that are applicable prior to the repayment in full of the Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due);
(o) [intentionally omitted];
(p) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the Effective Date; provided that (i) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Subsidiary or (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (p)(ii) shall not exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(q) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries arising from agreements providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, working capital or similar obligations (including earn-outs, and any other deferred payments of a similar nature incurred in connection with any investment) and seller notes, in each case, whether or not evidenced by a note, and incurred or assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition, any permitted Investment or any asset sale permitted under this Agreement or Investment permitted under this Agreement;
(r) Indebtedness in respect of treasury, depositary, cash management and netting services, automatic clearing house arrangements, overdraft protections and other financial accommodations of the nature described in the definition of “Banking Services” and otherwise in connection with securities accounts, deposit accounts and employees’ credit or purchase cards, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;
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(s) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued to current or former officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses issued in exchange for the purchase or redemption by the Borrower or such Subsidiary of its Equity Interests to the extent permitted by Section 6.07(a); (t) Indebtedness which represents extensions, renewals, refinancing or replacements (such new Indebtedness being referred to herein as the “Refinance Indebtedness”) of any of the Indebtedness described in clauses (b), (e), (g), (m), (n), (p), (v), (w), (x), (y), and (dd), hereof (such Indebtedness being referred to herein as the “Original Indebtedness”); provided that (i) such Refinance Indebtedness does not increase the principal amount of the Original Indebtedness, other than in respect of any fees, costs, accrued interest, and premiums incurred in connection therewith, (ii) any Liens securing such Refinance Indebtedness are not extended to any additional property of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary unless such Lien is otherwise permitted by this Agreement, (iii) [intentionally omitted], (iv) [intentionally omitted], and (vi) if such Original Indebtedness was subordinated in right of payment or security to the Secured Obligations, then the terms and conditions (taken as a whole) of such Refinance Indebtedness must include subordination terms and conditions that, taken as a whole, are not materially less favorable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders as those that were applicable to such Original Indebtedness;
(u) Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed, together with Indebtedness incurred under clause (n) above, $50,000,000; provided that (i) such Indebtedness shall have a stated final maturity that is no earlier than 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date and (ii) (x) no Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall have Guarantee obligations with respect to obligations of the borrower thereunder, (y) such Indebtedness shall not include any amortization, mandatory redemption, repurchase or repayment features that are applicable prior to the repayment in full of the Obligations and (z) the applicable interest rate on such Indebtedness shall not exceed 10% per annum, other than interest that takes the form of pay-in-kind interest;
(v) Indebtedness arising out of any sale and leaseback transaction; provided, that, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (v) shall not exceed $75,000,000 at any time outstanding;
(w) Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums arising in the ordinary course of business (including, for the avoidance of doubt, related to insurance required to be maintained pursuant to this Agreement);
(x) guaranties with respect to Indebtedness to the extent the Person obligated with respect to such guaranty would not be prohibited from incurring the primary Indebtedness that is guaranteed thereby;
(y) Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries not to exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding;
(z) Guarantees by the Borrower and any Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary otherwise permitted hereunder (and cross-guarantees of guarantees by Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary otherwise permitted hereunder); provided that if the Indebtedness being guaranteed is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of the Obligations on terms at least as favorable (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness;
(aa) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Agreements designed to hedge against the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes and Guarantees thereof;
(bb) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with the IPO, the Transactions, Permitted Acquisitions, transactions with Affiliates or any other Investment, in each case, permitted hereunder;
(cc) Indebtedness consisting of fees to any Sponsor payable pursuant to the Management Agreement (in an amount not to exceed the amount permitted thereunder as of the Effective Date); and (dd) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest and paid in kind), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (dd) above.
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For purposes of determining compliance with any Dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the Dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit debt; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to extend, replace, refund, refinance, renew or defease other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such extension, replacement, refunding, refinancing, renewal or defeasance would cause the applicable Dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such extension, replacement, refunding, refinancing, renewal or defeasance, such Dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being extended, replaced, refunded, refinanced, renewed or defeased, plus the aggregate amount of fees, underwriting discounts, premiums (including tender premiums) and other costs and expenses (including OID) incurred in connection with such refinancing.
The accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 6.01. The principal amount of any non-interest bearing Indebtedness or other discount security constituting Indebtedness at any date shall be the principal amount thereof that would be shown on a balance sheet of the Borrower dated such date prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The principal amount of any Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.
This Agreement will not treat (1) unsecured Indebtedness as subordinated or junior to secured Indebtedness merely because it is unsecured or (2) senior Indebtedness as subordinated or junior in right of payment to any other senior Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same Collateral.
SECTION 6.02 Liens. No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit any of its respective Subsidiaries to, create, incur, or assume any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, except Permitted Liens.
SECTION 6.03 Fundamental Changes.
(a) No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or otherwise Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets, or all or substantially all of the stock of any of its respective Subsidiaries (in each case, whether now owned or hereafter acquired), or liquidate, divide or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately (subject to the Limited Condition Transaction provisions) after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:
(i) any Subsidiary may merge into or liquidate or dissolve into, or consolidate with a Loan Party in a transaction in which such Loan Party is the surviving entity;
(ii) any Loan Party may merge into or liquidate or dissolve into, or consolidate with any other Loan Party in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Loan Party (provided that any such merger involving the Borrower must result in the Borrower as the surviving entity) and any subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with one or more other subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties; (iii) any Subsidiary may liquidate, divide or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation, division or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided that any such merger involving a Person that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger shall not be permitted unless also permitted by Section 6.04;
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(iv) any Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Person in order to effect an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04; provided that (i) the continuing or surviving Person shall be a Subsidiary of the Borrower, which together with each of its Subsidiaries, shall have complied with the requirements of Section 5.10 and Section 5.11 to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (ii) if a Loan Party is a party to such transaction, the surviving Person shall be a Loan Party and (iii) if the Borrower is party to such transaction, the surviving party shall be the Borrower; and
(v) a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 6.05, a Permitted Acquisition or other Investments permitted by Section 6.04; provided that if the Borrower is party to such transaction, the surviving party shall be the Borrower.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, if any Loan Party that is a limited liability company consummates a Division (with or without the prior consent of the Administrative Agent as required above), each Division Successor shall be required to comply with the obligations set forth in Section 5.10 and the other further assurances obligations set forth in the Loan Documents and become a Loan Party under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
(c) No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type engaged in by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date hereof and businesses reasonably related thereto, ancillary, similar corollary, synergetic, complementary or reasonable extensions thereof (and non-core incidental businesses acquired in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or other permitted Investment).
SECTION 6.04 Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions. No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a Loan Party and a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests, evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit, division, product line or line of business of such Person (whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise) (each an “Investment”), except:
(a) Permitted Investments;
(b) Investments in existence on the date hereof (i) not in excess of $2,000,000 in the aggregate, (ii) described in Schedule 6.04 and (iii) any extensions or amendments thereto not increasing the principal or capital amount, other than in respect of any fees, costs, accrued interest, and premiums incurred in connection therewith or on account of unused Commitments, described in clauses (i) and (ii) (unless otherwise permitted or made pursuant to legally binding written contracts in existence on the Effective Date);
(c) Investments by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries in their respective Subsidiaries, provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party (other than Equity Interests in Immaterial Subsidiaries and Excluded Property) shall be pledged pursuant to the relevant Collateral Documents and (ii) the aggregate amount of Investments made pursuant to this clause (c) by Loan Parties in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties shall not exceed, when taken together with investments by Loan Parties in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties incurred pursuant to Sections 6.04(d), $5,000,000 outstanding at any time (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs); (e) loans or advances made by a Loan Party to its officers, directors or employees on an arms-length basis in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices for travel and entertainment or education expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes up to a maximum of $2,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
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(d) [intentionally omitted];
(f) notes payable, or stock or other securities issued by Account Debtors to a Loan Party pursuant to negotiated agreements with respect to settlement of such Account Debtor’s Accounts in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practices;
(g) Investments by any Person existing on the date such Person is acquired as part of a Permitted Acquisition or other permitted Investments and not made in contemplation thereof;
(h) extensions of trade credit or the holding of receivables in the ordinary course of business;
(i) Investments constituting deposits described in the definition of “Permitted Liens”;
(j) Investments in the form of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.06;
(k) Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01;
(l) Investments constituting Permitted Acquisitions;
(m) in addition to Investments otherwise expressly permitted by this Section 6.04, investments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time $15,000,000 plus the Cumulative Credit at such time;
(n) Investments received in connection with the disposition of assets, and to the extent resulting from or constituting Investments, Liens, Indebtedness and Restricted Payments permitted by this Agreement;
(o) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business and Investments made pursuant to employment and severance arrangements of officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements in the ordinary course of business;
(p) to the extent constituting Investments, advances in respect of transfer pricing and cost-sharing arrangements (i.e., “cost-plus” arrangements) and associated “true-up” payments, in each case, that are in the ordinary course of business;
(q) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may acquire and hold receivables and similar items owing to them in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms;
(r) Investments made in Excluded Subsidiaries and joint ventures in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate per Fiscal Year; provided that, in each case, the Loan Parties shall have a minimum of $50,000,000 in Unrestricted Cash immediately after giving effect to such Investment;
(s) [intentionally omitted];
(t) Investments (other than an Investment that would qualify as an Equity Financed Permitted Acquisition) to the extent that the consideration for such Investments solely consists of the Qualified Equity Interests or cash proceeds of the Borrower plus the Cumulative Credit at such time; (u) Investments in Swap Agreements permitted under Section 6.01(aa) and Banking Services Obligations;
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(v) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;
(w) the licensing or contribution of intellectual property rights in the ordinary course of business, which is not otherwise restricted under the Loan Documents;
(x) Investments in deposit accounts, commodities and securities accounts opened in the ordinary course of business;
(y) guarantees by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), contracts or of other obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(z) any additional Investments; provided, that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries have positive Consolidated EBITDA on a pro forma basis (as of the Test Period then most recently ended) and after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Investments, the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than 2.00 to 1.00;
(aa) asset purchases (including purchases of inventory, supplies and materials) in the ordinary course of business (or in connection with a commercial transaction that is entered into in the ordinary course of business); and
(bb) Investments constituting Permitted Liens or Permitted Dispositions.
SECTION 6.05 Asset Sales. No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to, Dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it, except:
(a) Dispositions of (i) obsolete, negligible, worn out, used or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and (ii) property (including any leasehold property interest) that is no longer (x) economically practical in its business, (y) commercially desirable or commercially reasonable to maintain or (z) used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(b) Dispositions of assets from one Loan Party to another Loan Party;
(c) Dispositions of Accounts (excluding sales or dispositions in a factoring arrangement) in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof;
(d) Dispositions of cash and Permitted Investments in the ordinary course of business;
(e) Dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;
(f) Dispositions of assets by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to a Loan Party or to a Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party;
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(g) Dispositions constituting Liens permitted under Section 6.02, Dispositions permitted underSection 6.03, Investments permitted under Section 6.04 or Restricted Payments permitted under Section 6.07; (h) Dispositions of Intellectual Property (i) that is, in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower, no longer economically practicable to maintain or useful or material to in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (ii) in the ordinary course of business, or (iii) to a third party where such Intellectual Property was developed in connection with any commercial arrangement that is entered into in the ordinary course of business by a Loan Party or Subsidiary thereof with such third party (including any such co- or joint-development or research agreements) and pursuant to such commercial arrangement (x) the Loan Party or Subsidiary and such third party agree (which agreement was made in their respective reasonable business judgment) that such Intellectual Property will be jointly-owned by the Loan Party or Subsidiary and such third party, (y) such Intellectual Property is related to or an improvement, derivative, or the like of such third party’s or any of its Affiliates’ pre-existing or background Intellectual Property, or (z) as between such third party and such Loan Party or Subsidiary, such Intellectual Property primarily relates to the business of such third party and its Affiliates;
(i) Dispositions of non-core assets acquired in a Permitted Acquisition or Dispositions required to obtain antitrust approval of a Permitted Acquisition or other Investment;
(j) licenses or sublicenses of Intellectual Property rights granted by Borrower or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business (or in connection with a commercial agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business) or not interfering in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary;
(k) [intentionally omitted];
(l) Dispositions of assets that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section 6.05, provided that the aggregate fair market value of all assets Disposed of in reliance upon this paragraph (l) shall not exceed $3,000,000 in any fiscal year; provided that, all Dispositions pursuant to Section 6.05(l) shall be made for fair value and at least 75% of the consideration from such Disposition received by any Loan Party or Subsidiary, as applicable, shall be in the form of cash or Permitted Investments;
(m) [intentionally omitted];
(n) sales, transfers or other Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures permitted under Section 6.04(r) to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements (and not included in such joint venture arrangements and similar binding agreements in contemplation of such sale, transfer or other Disposition);
(o) Dispositions of assets, including inventory and goods held for sale, in the ordinary course of business and immaterial assets (including termination of leases and licenses in the ordinary course of business, and a voluntary or mandatory recall of any product);
(p) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale and leaseback transactions, including those contemplated on the Effective Date and included on Schedule 6.05;
(q) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(r) Dispositions of assets not constituting Collateral in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15,000,000 in any fiscal year;
(s) the Borrower and any Subsidiary may (i) convert any intercompany Indebtedness to Equity Interests otherwise permitted hereunder, (ii) discount, write off, forgive or cancel any intercompany Indebtedness or other obligation owing by the Borrower or any other Loan Party to a Subsidiary that is not, in each case, a Loan Party or to another Loan Party, (iii) settle, discount, write-off, forgive or cancel any Indebtedness owing by any present or former consultants, managers, directors, officers, employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their successors or assigns, in the ordinary course of business, or (iv) surrender or waive contractual rights and settle, release, surrender or waive contractual or litigation claims, in the case of clause (iv), in the ordinary course of business;
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(t) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code, or any comparable or successor provision, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a similar business; and
(u) any swap of assets in exchange for services or other assets in the ordinary course of business of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Borrower, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15,000,000.
Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, all licenses, sublicenses, or other rights granted by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date hereof in connection with any Intellectual Property Rights (together with any other rights or obligations (including sales, assignments, conveyances, transfers, licenses, sublicenses, or other dispositions) (x) granted in connection with the foregoing prior to the date hereof or (y) required to be granted, or otherwise exercisable in connection with, the foregoing prior to or following the date hereof) shall be deemed, as applicable, a permitted Disposition pursuant to this Section 6.05 and Permitted Liens.
SECTION 6.06 Swap Agreements. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary will enter into any Swap Agreement for speculative purposes.
SECTION 6.07 Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness.
(a) No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to, declare or make, any Restricted Payment, except:
(i) each Subsidiary may declare and pay dividends or make other Restricted Payments with respect to its common stock payable solely in additional shares of its common stock, and, with respect to its preferred stock, payable solely in additional shares of such preferred stock or in shares of its common stock,
(ii) Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests,
(iii) So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would arise after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) thereto, the Borrower and each Subsidiary may (i) pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of such Subsidiary (or of the Borrower or any other such direct or indirect parent thereof) held by any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant (or any spouses, former spouses, parents, grandparents (or otherwise related), successors, executors, administrators, heirs, testamentary trustees, legatees or distributes of any of the foregoing) of such Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries or (ii) make Restricted Payments in the form of distributions to allow Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of Borrower to pay principal or interest on promissory notes that were issued to any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant (or any spouses, former spouses, parents, grandparents (or otherwise related), successors, executors, administrators, heirs, testamentary trustees, legatees or distributes of any of the foregoing) of such Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) in lieu of cash payments for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of such Equity Interests held by such Persons; provided that the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this Section 6.07(a)(iii) shall not exceed (x) $5,000,000 in the aggregate or (y) solely to the extent that Liquidity immediately prior to such purchase of Equity Interests and after giving pro forma effect to the purchase of such Equity Interests is equal to or greater than $250,000,000, $10,000,000 in the aggregate; provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may further be increased by an amount not to exceed the sum of:
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(A) amounts used to increase the Cumulative Credit pursuant to clause (c) and clause (d) of the definition of “Cumulative Credit”; and
(B) the net proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries less the amount of Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds of such key man life insurance policies; provided that such proceeds are used solely to repurchase Equity Interests held by the employee (or any of his or her successors or assigns, including any family trusts) that is the subject of such key man life insurance;
provided, further, that cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Borrower from members of management of the Borrower, any of the Borrower’s direct or indirect parent companies or any of the Borrower’s Subsidiaries in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of any of the Borrower’s direct or indirect parent companies will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provision of this Agreement;
(iv) the Loan Parties may make Restricted Payments pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans, warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants, or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice,
(v) Tax Distributions may be paid annually or in multiple installments, based on the Borrower’s good-faith and reasonable estimate of the amount of Tax Distributions for any such year or period, with any over-distribution to reduce any subsequent Tax Distribution dollar for dollar,
(vi) [intentionally omitted],
(vii) [intentionally omitted],
(viii) Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Cumulative Credit at such time; provided that solely with respect to amounts used to increase the Cumulative Credit pursuant to clauses (a) and (b), in each case, of the definition of “Cumulative Credit”, (x) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom and (y) on a pro forma basis the Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.10 for the four fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the proposed date of such Restricted Payment;
(ix) Restricted Payments made (i) to consummate the IPO and the Transactions, (ii) in respect of working capital adjustments or purchase price adjustments and any other payment required pursuant to any Permitted Acquisition or other permitted Investments, (iii) in order to satisfy indemnity and other similar obligations under any Permitted Acquisition or other permitted Investments and (iv) to holders of Equity Interests of the Borrower in connection with, or as a result of, their exercise of appraisal rights and the settlement of any claims or actions (whether actual, contingent or potential) with respect thereto;
(x) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions permitted by any provision of Sections 6.03, 6.04, and 6.05 (other than 6.05(g)); (xi) the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries may pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition or other permitted Investment;
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(xii) the payment of any Restricted Payment within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof, if at the date of declaration or the giving of such notice such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Section 6.07; provided that the making of such Restricted Payment will reduce capacity for Restricted Payments pursuant to such other provision when so made;
(xiii) any Restricted Payment in the minimum amount necessary to prevent any Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries permitted under Section 6.01 from being treated as an “applicable high yield discount obligation” within the meaning of Section 163(i)(1) of the Code;
(xiv) any Restricted Payment in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000;
(xv) the refinancing of any Junior Indebtedness with any Junior Indebtednesspermitted by Section 6.01;
(xvi) the conversion or exchange of any Junior Indebtedness to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent entity thereof;
(xvii) the prepayment, redemption, purchase, defeasement or satisfaction of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Subsidiary; and
(xviii) unlimited Restricted Payments, provided, that (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing immediately prior to, or shall result from, such Restricted Payment (subject to the Limited Condition Transaction provisions) and (ii) after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Restricted Payments the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than 2.00 to 1.00 as of the most recently ended Test Period.
SECTION 6.08 [Reserved.
SECTION 6.09 Restrictive Agreements. No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to enter into any agreement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets to secure the Obligations, or (b) the ability of any Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary or to Guarantee Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to (A) restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by any Loan Document, (B) restrictions and conditions existing on the date hereof identified on Schedule 6.09 and any amendments or modifications thereof that do not materially expand the scope of any such restriction or condition (as determined in good faith by the Borrower) taken as a whole, (C) restrictions and conditions imposed by agreements relating to Indebtedness of any Subsidiary in existence at the time such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary and any amendments or modifications thereof that do not materially expand the scope of any such restriction or condition taken as a whole, provided that such restrictions and conditions apply only to such Subsidiary, (D) customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Subsidiary pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to the Subsidiary that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (E) customary restrictions and conditions contained in any agreement relating to the disposition of any property permitted by Section 6.03 or Section 6.05 pending the consummation of such disposition, (F) restrictions in the transfers of assets encumbered by a Lien permitted by Section 6.02, (G) restrictions or conditions set forth in any agreement governing Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01, (H) customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, (I) customary provisions in shareholders agreements, joint venture agreements, organizational or constitutive documents or similar binding agreements relating to any joint venture and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures and in each case applicable solely to such joint venture and the Equity Interests issued thereby, (J) restrictions on cash or other deposits (including escrowed funds) or net worth imposed under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (K) restrictions that will not materially impair the Borrower’s ability to make payments under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (as determined by the Borrower acting in good faith), (L) restrictions imposed by any agreement governing Indebtedness entered into on or after the Effective Date and permitted under Section 6.01 that are, taken as a whole, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, no more restrictive with respect to the Borrower or any Subsidiary than customary market terms for Indebtedness of such type (and, in any event, are no more restrictive than the restrictions contained in this Agreement), so long as the Borrower shall have determined in good faith that such restrictions will not affect in any material respect its obligation or ability to make any payments required hereunder, (M) Permitted Liens and (N) any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (A) through (N) above; provided, that such amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, extensions, supplements, refundings, replacements, restructurings or refinancings (x) are, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower, not materially more restrictive with respect to such encumbrance and other restrictions taken as a whole than those prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, extension, restructuring, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing or (y) do not materially impair the Borrower’s ability to pay its obligations under the Loan Documents as and when due; and (ii) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, nor to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof.
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SECTION 6.10 Financial Condition Covenants. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to:
(a) from the Effective Date to (but not including) the first Business Day after a Leverage Covenant Triggering Event has occurred, permit Liquidity, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter (commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2025), to be less than $50,000,000 as of such date (this clause (a), the “Minimum Liquidity Covenant”);
(b) from the Effective Date to (but not including) the first Business Day after a Leverage Covenant Triggering Event has occurred, permit Free Cash Flow as of the last day of each fiscal quarter as set forth below to be less than the amount set forth below opposite such date:
| Date of Determination |
Minimum Free Cash Flow | |||
| December 31, 2025 |
-$ | 325,000,000 | ||
| March 31, 2026 |
-$ | 250,000,000 | ||
| June 30, 2026 |
-$ | 175,000,000 | ||
| September 30, 2026 |
-$ | 125,000,000 | ||
| December 31, 2026 |
-$ | 100,000,000 | ||
| March 31, 2027 |
-$ | 75,000,000 | ||
| June 30, 2027 |
-$ | 50,000,000 | ||
| September 30, 2027 |
-$ | 50,000,000 | ||
| December 31, 2027 |
-$ | 25,000,000 | ||
| March 31, 2028 |
-$ | 25,000,000 | ||
| June 30, 2028 |
-$ | 25,000,000 | ||
| September 30, 2028 and, thereafter, as of the last day of each subsequent fiscal quarter |
$ | 0 | ||
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(c) commencing upon the occurrence of a Leverage Covenant Triggering Event, permit the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, to be greater than 4.00 to 1.00 (as of the last day of the Test Period then most recently ended).
SECTION 6.11 Amendment of Material Documents. No Loan Party will, nor will any Loan Party permit its respective Subsidiaries to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under (a) any agreement relating to any Subordinated Indebtedness or Junior Lien Indebtedness, in each case, with a principal amount then outstanding in excess of the Threshold Amount, except as not prohibited under any related subordination agreement (including any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable), or (b) its charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents in a manner materially adverse to the Lenders.
ARTICLE VII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
SECTION 7.01 Events of Default If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:
(a) the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;
(b) the Borrower or any other Loan Party shall fail to pay (i) any due and payable interest on any Loan and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five (5) Business Days or (ii) any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Article) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of ten (10) Business Days;
(c) any representation or warranty made or deemed made by any Loan Party in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or in any respect if such representation or warranty is already qualified by concepts of materiality) when made or deemed made and, to the extent such incorrect representation or warranty is capable of being corrected, shall remain incorrect for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower;
(d) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.02(a) (provided that notice of such Event of Default shall cure any such Event of Default as a result of a breach under Section 5.02(a)), 5.03 (solely with respect to legal existence of the Borrower), 5.08 or in Article VI of this Agreement; provided, that the covenant in Section 6.10 is subject to cure pursuant to Section 7.02 and an Event of Default with respect to Section 6.10 shall not occur unless a Cure Right is not exercised by the Cure Expiration Date;
(e) any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document (other than those which constitute a default under another Section of this Article), and such failure shall continue unremedied or unwaived for a period of (i) in the case of any such failure in respect of Section 5.01(a) through (d), 5.02 (other than 5.02(a)) or 5.09, five (5) Business Days and (ii) in the case of any such failure in respect of any other provision, thirty (30) days after the earlier of any Loan Party’s knowledge of such breach or written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent (which notice will be given at the request of any Lender); (f) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable after giving effect to any applicable notice and grace periods provided in the applicable instrument or agreement under which such Material Indebtedness was created; provided that this clause (f) shall not apply to any such failure that is (x) remedied by the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary or (y) waived (including in the form of a forbearance or amendment) by the requisite holders of the applicable item of Material Indebtedness;
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(g) any event or condition occurs (after all applicable grace periods have expired and all required notices have been given) that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (after delivery of any notice if required and after giving effect to any waiver, amendment, cure or grace period) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity (in each case, after the delivery of any required notices and passage of any grace periods); provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to (A) secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale, transfer or other disposition (including as a result of a casualty or condemnation event) of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, (B) Indebtedness which is convertible into Equity Interests and converts to Equity Interests or fractional shares in cash in accordance with its terms or (C) any breach or default that (x) is remedied by the Borrower or any applicable Subsidiary or (y) is waived (including in the form of an amendment or forbearance) by the requisite holders of the applicable item of Material Indebtedness;
(h) an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the involuntary appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (in either case, other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for sixty (60) days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;
(i) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary (in either case, other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such Loan Party or any Subsidiary (in either case, other than any Immaterial Subsidiary) of any Loan Party or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, or (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;
(j) [intentionally omitted];
(k) one or more final, non-appealable judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $15,000,000, to the extent not covered by insurance or which is not otherwise covered by an indemnification in favor of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party, as applicable, shall be rendered against any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;
(l) an ERISA Event shall have occurred that when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;
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(m) a Change in Control shall have occurred; (n) except as permitted by the terms of this Agreement, the Loan Guaranty shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of the Loan Guaranty, or any Guarantor shall deny that it has any further liability under the Loan Guaranty to which it is a party;
(o) except as permitted by the terms of any Collateral Document, (i) any Collateral Document shall for any reason fail to create a valid security interest in any material portion of the Collateral, taken as a whole, as required by this Agreement or any Collateral Document, or (ii) any Lien on any material portion of the Collateral, taken as a whole, securing any Secured Obligation shall cease to be a perfected (if and to the extent required to be perfected under the Collateral Documents), first priority Lien (subject to Permitted Liens), except (A) as a result of the release of a Loan Party or the sale, transfer or other disposition to a Person that is not a Loan Party or a Subsidiary of the applicable Collateral in each case, in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents, (B) as a result of the Administrative Agent’s or any other Secured Party no longer having possession of any stock certificates, promissory notes or other instruments actually delivered to it under the Collateral Documents or (C) UCC continuation statements not being timely filed; or
(p) any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery, for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, or as a result of the termination of the Commitments and the Payment in Full the Obligations of the Loan Parties thereunder, shall cease to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party or any other Person shall contest in any manner the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or shall purport to revoke, terminate or rescind any Loan Document;
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall, by written notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Commitments (including the Issuing Bank Sublimit and Swingline Commitment), and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower (to the extent permitted by applicable law), and (iii) require that the Borrower provide cash collateral for the LC Exposure in accordance with Section 2.06(j) hereof; and in case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Article, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding and cash collateral for the LC Exposure, together with accrued but unpaid interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, and the obligation of the Borrower to cash collateralize the LC Exposure as provided in clause (iii) above shall automatically become effective, in each case, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower (to the extent permitted by applicable law). Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.
In addition to any other rights and remedies granted to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the Loan Documents but subject to the terms therein, if any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise all rights and remedies of a secured party under the New York Uniform Commercial Code or any other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except for any notice of default to the extent expressly required under the Loan Documents and/or any notice required by law referred to below) to or upon any Loan Party or any other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived (to the extent permitted by applicable law)), may in such circumstances forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon the Collateral, or any part thereof, or consent to the use by the Loan Party of any cash collateral arising in respect of the Collateral on such terms as the Administrative Agent deems reasonable, and/or may forthwith sell, lease, assign give an option or options to purchase or otherwise dispose of and deliver, or acquire by credit bid on behalf of the Lenders, the Collateral or any part thereof (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or elsewhere, upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for future delivery, all without assumption of any credit risk.
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With respect to any public or private sales referred to in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption in any Loan Party, which right or equity is hereby waived and released. Each Loan Party further agrees, at the Administrative Agent’s request, to assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Administrative Agent at places which the Administrative Agent shall reasonably select, whether at such Loan Party’s premises or elsewhere. The Administrative Agent shall apply the net proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Article VII, after deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred in connection therewith or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the Collateral or in any other way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements to the extent reimbursable under Section 9.03, to the payment in whole or in part of the obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents, in such order as the Administrative Agent may elect, and only after such application and after the payment by the Administrative Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law, including Section 9-615(a)(3) of the New York UCC, need the Administrative Agent account for the surplus, if any, to any Loan Party. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Party waives all claims, damages and demands it may acquire against the Administrative Agent or any Lender arising out of the exercise by them of any rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if given at least ten (10) days before such sale or other disposition.
SECTION 7.02 Right to Cure. Notwithstanding the foregoing Section 7.01 above, in the event that the Borrower fails to comply with any of the financial covenants referenced in Section 6.10 above (each a “Financial Performance Covenant”), from the first day of the applicable fiscal quarter until the fifteenth (15th) Business Day (such date, the “Cure Expiration Date”) subsequent to the date on which financial statements (together with the Compliance Certificate) with respect to the fiscal quarter for which such Financial Performance Covenant is being measured are required to be delivered, the Borrower shall have the right, but not the obligation, to cure any such Event of Default (a “Cure Right”) by receiving cash contribution from its direct or indirect equity holders or from any issuance of Equity Interests of Borrower (such proceeds, the “Cure Proceeds”), and upon the receipt by the Borrower of Cure Proceeds (such amount of Cure Proceeds being referred to as the “Cure Amount”). Pursuant to the exercise by the Borrower of such Cure Right, such Financial Performance Covenants shall be recalculated giving effect to the following pro forma adjustments:
(a) Liquidity, Free Cash Flow and EBITDA shall be increased, solely for the purpose of determining the existence of an Event of Default under the applicable Financial Performance Covenants with respect to each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters that includes the fiscal quarter for which the Cure Right was exercised and not for any other purpose or period under this Agreement, by an amount equal to the Cure Amount; provided, that the prepayment of Indebtedness with the proceeds of such Cure Amount shall be given pro forma effect in each applicable fiscal quarter following the fiscal quarter in respect of which the Cure Amount was received; and
(b) if, after giving effect to the foregoing recalculations, the Borrower shall then be in compliance with the requirements of the applicable Financial Performance Covenants, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of the applicable Financial Performance Covenants as of the relevant date of determination with the same effect as though there had been no failure to comply therewith at such date, and the applicable breach or default of the Financial Performance Covenants that had occurred shall be deemed cured for the purposes of this Agreement.
In furtherance of Section 7.02 above, (i) no Default or Event of Default under Section 6.10 shall exist until after the Cure Expiration Date and (ii) neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender may exercise any rights or remedies under Section 7.01 (or under any other Loan Document) on the basis of any actual or purported Event of Default under Section 6.10 until and unless the Cure Expiration Date has occurred without the Cure Amount having been received unless such Event of Default shall have been waived in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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Neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall take any action to foreclose on, or take possession of, the Collateral, accelerate any Obligations, terminate any Commitments or otherwise exercise any remedies under any Loan Document or any applicable laws on the basis of a breach of Section 6.10 (or as a direct result of consummation of any transaction pursuant to Article VI that would be not permitted hereunder solely due to the continuance of a Default or Event of Default under Section 6.10 or the failure to deliver a notice of default, solely in respect of a Default or Event of Default under Section 6.10 as required pursuant to Section 5.02(a)), unless and until the Cure Expiration Date has occurred and the Borrower has not received the Cure Amount.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) there shall be no more than two Cure Rights in any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, (ii) no Cure Amount may be greater than the amount required to cause the Borrower to be in compliance with any and all Financial Performance Covenants, (iii) there shall be no more than five Cure Rights in respect of each Financial Performance Covenant made on or before the Maturity Date, and (iv) this Section 7.02 may not be relied on for purposes of calculating compliance with any covenants other than compliance with the Financial Performance Covenants and shall not result in any adjustment to any baskets or other amounts. At the request of the Borrower, the Cure Amount used to calculate Liquidity, Free Cash Flow and EBITDA for one fiscal quarter shall be used and included when calculating Liquidity, Free Cash Flow and EBITDA for each Test Period that includes such fiscal quarter.
ARTICLE VIII
THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
SECTION 8.01 Authorization and Action.
(a) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender and each Issuing Bank authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the U.S., each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute and enforce any Collateral Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.
(b) As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender and each Issuing Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided.
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Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
(c) In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, any other Secured Party (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. The motivations of the Administrative Agent are commercial in nature and not to invest in the general performance or operations of the Borrower. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:
(i) the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, Issuing Bank, any other Secured Party or holder of any other obligation other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby; and
(ii) nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account;
(d) The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent (other than Excluded Affiliates). The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.
(e) The Lead Arrangers shall have no obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder to the Lenders or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.
(f) In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
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(i) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Disbursements and all other Secured Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(ii) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under Section 9.03). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or Issuing Bank in any such proceeding.
(g) The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, except in respect of Sections 8.01, 8.03, 8.05, 8.06, 8.07, 8.08, and 8.10, none of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article.
SECTION 8.02 Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Indemnification, Etc.
(a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by emailed pdf or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (i) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, or (ii) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or an Issuing Bank.
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Further, the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or Issuing Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or Issuing Bank for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or Issuing Bank sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it, in good faith, to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).
SECTION 8.03 Posting of Communications.
(a) The Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks by posting the Communications on IntraLinksTM, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic platform chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).
(b) Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrower hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.
(c) THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.
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IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE LEAD ARRANGERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES OR EXPENSES ARE DETERMINED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY A FINAL AND NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT TO HAVE RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE, BAD FAITH, MATERIAL BREACH OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH APPLICABLE PARTY.
“Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.
(d) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents.
Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.
(e) [Intentionally Omitted].
(f) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.
SECTION 8.04 The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Commitment, Loans (including Swingline Loans), Issuing Bank Sublimit and Letters of Credit, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be. The terms “Issuing Banks”, “Swingline Lender”, “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender, Issuing Bank, Swingline Lender or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks.
SECTION 8.05 Successor Administrative Agent.
| (a) | The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving thirty (30) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. If the Administrative Agent is a Defaulting Lender or is in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement, the Borrower may remove such Lender from such role upon 15 days’ notice to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, as applicable. (i) Upon any such resignation, the Administrative Agent may appoint one of its Affiliates (other than Excluded Affiliates) acting through an office in the United States as a successor Administrative Agent and (ii) upon such removal or if the Administrative Agent has not appointed one of its Affiliates acting through an office in |
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the United States, as a successor Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (i) above, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of written notice of resignation or the Borrower’s giving of written notice of removal of the Administrative Agent, then the Borrower may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In any case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Borrower (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h) has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives written notice of its intent to resign or after the Borrower’s giving of written notice of removal of the Administrative Agent, as applicable, the retiring Administrative Agent may give written notice of the effectiveness of its resignation or the Borrower may give written notice of the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s removal to the Lenders, as applicable, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation or removal stated in such notice, (i) the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person (it being understood that the fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor) and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender and each Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article, Section 2.17(d) and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring or removed Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring or removed Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (i) above.
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SECTION 8.06 Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks.
(a) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) in participating as a Lender, it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of investing in the general performance or operations of the Borrower, or for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument such as a security (and each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing, such as a claim under the federal or state securities laws), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, nonpublic information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrower and its Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.
(b) Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, this Agreement.
(c)
(i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its reasonable discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter (or such later date as the Administrative Agent, may, in its sole discretion, specify in writing), return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon (except to the extent waived in writing by the Administrative Agent) in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of setoff or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(ii) Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment.
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Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one (1) Business Day thereafter (or such later date as the Administrative Agent, may, in its sole discretion, specify in writing), return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon (except to the extent waived in writing by the Administrative Agent) in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.
(iii) The Borrower and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount. Each Lender hereby further agrees that the Borrower and each other Loan Party shall not be liable for any damages arising from any Payments described in this Section 8.06(c).
(iv) Each Lender’s obligations under this Section 8.06(c) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.
(d) The Lenders acknowledge that there may be a constant flow of information (including information which may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Loan Parties) between the Loan Parties and their Affiliates, on the one hand, and Wells Fargo and its Affiliates, on the other hand. Without limiting the foregoing, the Loan Parties or their Affiliates may provide information, including updates to previously provided information to Wells Fargo and/or its Affiliates acting in different capacities, including as Lender, lead bank, arranger or potential securities investor, independent of such entity’s role as administrative agent hereunder. The Lenders acknowledge that neither Wells Fargo nor its Affiliates shall be under any obligation to provide any of the foregoing information to them. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or in any other Loan Document, except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by the Administrative Agent herein, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide, and shall not be liable for the failure to provide, any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the Loans, the Lenders, the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates that is communicated to, obtained by, or in the possession of, the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity, including any information obtained by the Administrative Agent in the course of communications among the Administrative Agent and any Loan Party, any Affiliate thereof or any other Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such information may (but shall not be required to) be shared by the Administrative Agent with one or more Lenders, or any formal or informal committee or ad hoc group of such Lenders, including at the direction of a Loan Party.
SECTION 8.07 Collateral Matters.
(a) Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Secured Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof. In its capacity, the Administrative Agent is a “representative” of the Secured Parties within the meaning of the term “secured party” as defined in the UCC. In the event that any Collateral is hereafter pledged by any Person as collateral security for the Secured Obligations, the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized, and hereby granted a power of attorney, to execute and deliver on behalf of the Secured Parties any Loan Documents necessary or appropriate to grant and perfect a Lien on such Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.
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(b) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no arrangements in respect of Banking Services the obligations under which constitute Banking Services Obligations and no Swap Agreement the obligations under which constitute Swap Agreement Obligations, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such arrangement in respect of Banking Services or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.
(c) The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent to (and the Administrative Agent shall) (w) to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Permitted Lien pursuant to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (m), (r), (s) and (t) of the definition thereof, (x) to enter into and sign for and on behalf of the Lenders as Secured Parties the Collateral Documents for the benefit of the Lenders and the other Secured Parties, (y) to automatically release any Lien on any property granted to or held by the collateral agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations not then due) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit which have been Cash Collateralized or as to which other arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank shall have been made), (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is disposed or to be disposed as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted hereunder to a Person that is not a Loan Party, (iii) if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders or a greater percentage of Lenders required hereunder, (iv) such property constitutes Excluded Property, (v) to the extent provided in the Collateral Documents or an Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement, or (vi) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guaranty pursuant to clause (z), and (z) to automatically release any Subsidiary Guarantor (other than the Borrower) from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary or becomes an Excluded Subsidiary as a result of a transaction or designation permitted hereunder, in each case subject to Section 10.14(b). The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.
SECTION 8.08 Credit Bidding
The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase).
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In connection with any such bid, (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.
SECTION 8.09 Certain ERISA Matters.
(a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and the Lead Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:
(i) such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments,
(ii) the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to, and the conditions for exemptive relief are satisfied in connection with, such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement,
(iii) (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) and (k) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement, or (iv) such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.
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(b) In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, or the Lead Arrangers or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the Collateral or the assets of such Lender involved in such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments and this Agreement (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related hereto or thereto).
(c) The Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers hereby inform the Lenders that each such Person is not undertaking to provide investment advice or to give advice in a fiduciary capacity, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and that such Person has a financial interest in the transactions contemplated hereby in that such Person or an Affiliate thereof (i) may receive interest or other payments with respect to the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Commitments, this Agreement and any other Loan Documents (ii) may recognize a gain if it extended the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments for an amount less than the amount being paid for an interest in the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Commitments by such Lender or (iii) may receive fees or other payments in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, the Loan Documents or otherwise, including structuring fees, commitment fees, arrangement fees, facility fees, upfront fees, underwriting fees, ticking fees, agency fees, administrative agent or collateral agent fees, utilization fees, minimum usage fees, letter of credit fees, fronting fees, deal-away or alternate transaction fees, amendment fees, processing fees, term out premiums, banker’s acceptance fees, breakage or other early termination fees or fees similar to the foregoing.
SECTION 8.10 Subordination and Intercreditor Agreements. The Administrative Agent is authorized and instructed by the Lenders and each other Secured Party to, and shall, enter into any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement contemplated hereby with respect to any Indebtedness (i) that is (A) required or permitted hereunder to be subordinated in right of payment or with respect to security and/or (B) secured by any Lien and (ii) which contemplates an Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement, and the Secured Parties party hereto acknowledge that any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement is binding upon them. Each Lender and each other Secured Party hereby (a) agrees that it will be bound by, and will not take any action contrary to, the provisions of any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement and (b) authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement and to subject the Liens on the Collateral securing the Secured Obligations to the provisions thereof, as applicable. The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the Secured Parties to extend credit to the Borrower, and the Secured Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries of such provisions and the provisions of any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement.
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ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION 9.01 Notices.
(a) Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by e-mail, as follows:
(i) if to any Loan Party, to it in care of the Borrower at:
Firefly Aerospace Inc.
1320 Arrow Point Drive, #109
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Attn: Legal Department
Email: [***]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
AE Industrial Partners, LP
6700 Broken Sound Pkwy NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Attn: Jonathan Lusczakoski;Melissa Klafter; Matthew Friendly
Email: [***]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
333 West Wolf Point Plaza
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Attn: Michelle Kilkenney
Email: [***]
(ii) if to the Administrative Agent from the Borrower, to the address or addresses separately provided to the Borrower;
(iii) if to the Administrative Agent from the Lenders, to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
MAC D1109-019
1525 West W.T. Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Attention of: Syndication Agency Services
Telephone No.: [***]
Facsimile No.: [***]
Email: [***]
(iv) if to an Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, to it at the address separately provided to the Borrower; and
(v) if to any other Lender, to it at its address set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.
Notices sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by facsimile shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient). Notices delivered through Approved Electronic Platforms, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below, shall be effective as provided in said paragraph (b).
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(b) Notices and other communications to the Borrower, any Loan Party, the Lenders, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Approved Electronic Platforms, pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance and no Default certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(d) unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. The Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.
(c) Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return email or other written acknowledgement), and (ii) notices or communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, email or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next business day for the recipient.
(d) Any party hereto may change its address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.
SECTION 9.02 Waivers; Amendments.
(a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 9.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
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(b) Subject to Section 2.14(b), (c) and (e) and Section 9.02(e) below and except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders or by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) (but not Required Lenders) (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent or the waiver of any Default, Event of Default or mandatory prepayment shall not constitute an increase of any Commitment), (ii) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) (but not Required Lenders); provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the provisions with respect to the application or amount of the default rate described in Section 2.13(c) or waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest or fees at such default rate and with respect to amendments to any financial covenant ratios or related definitions, the impact of which may reduce such amounts, (iii) postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement, or any scheduled date for payment of any interest thereon, or any fees or other Obligations payable hereunder (including extending the expiration of a Letter of Credit to a date after the Maturity Date), or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) (but not Required Lenders); provided, however, that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the provisions with respect to the application or amount of the default rate described in Section 2.13(c), waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest or fees at such default rate and with respect to amendments to any financial covenant ratios or related definitions, the impact of which may such scheduled amounts, (iv) change Section 2.09(b), 2.18(b), (d) or (e) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Commitments or the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby, without the written consent of each directly and adversely affected Lender (but not Required Lenders), (v) change the payment waterfall provisions of Section 2.18(b) or 2.20(b) without the written consent of each directly and adversely affected Lender, (vi) release the Borrower from its Obligations without the written consent of each Lender, (vii) change any of the provisions of this Section 9.02 or the definition of “Required Lenders” or, except as provided in the following clause (viii), any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, in each case to reduce the percentage or number of Lenders set forth therein to approve such waiver, amendment, or modification of any such rights without the written consent of each directly and adversely affected Lender (it being understood that, with the consent of the Required Lenders (if such consent is otherwise required), or the Administrative Agent (if the consent of the Required Lenders is not otherwise required), additional extensions of credit pursuant to this Agreement may be included in the determination of the Required Lenders on substantially the same basis, following the incurrence thereof, as the Commitments, as applicable), (viii) change Section 2.20, without the consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) (but not Required Lenders), (ix) contractually subordinate any of the Obligations in right of payment to any other Indebtedness or contractually subordinate any Liens on Collateral securing the Obligations to any Lien on such Collateral securing any other Indebtedness, in each case without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby (but not the Required Lenders), except (A) Indebtedness that is permitted to be senior in right of payment to such Obligations under the Loan Documents in effect on the Effective Date and/or be secured by a Lien on the Collateral that is senior to such Lien securing the Obligations under the Loan Documents in effect on the Effective Date, (B) any “debtor in-possession” facility, or (C) any other Indebtedness so long as such Indebtedness is offered ratably to all Lenders holding the Obligations on substantially the same terms (other than arranger fees, agent fees, bona fide backstop fees and similar fees and reimbursement of counsel fees and other expenses in connection with the negotiation of the terms of such transaction), (x) amend or waive the conditions set forth in Section 4.01 (including amendments to the component definitions thereof which have the effect of amending or waiving such conditions), in each case without the written consent of each Lender, (xi) release all or substantially all of the Guarantors from their obligations under the Loan Guaranty, without the written consent of each directly and adversely affected Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) (but not Required Lenders) (except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement as in effect on the Effective Date), or (xii) except as provided in paragraph (f)(i) of this Section 9.02, release all or substantially all of the Collateral (except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement as in effect on the Effective Date), without the written consent of each directly and adversely affected Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) (but not Required Lenders); provided further, that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise adversely affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be (it being understood that any change to Section 2.20 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank); provided further, that no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.06 or any letter of credit application and any bilateral agreement between the Borrower and the Issuing Bank regarding the Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the Borrower and the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit without the prior written consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, respectively; provided further, only the consent of the parties to the Fee Letter shall be required to amend, modify or supplement the terms thereof. The Administrative Agent may also amend Schedule 2.01 to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04.
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(c) [Intentionally Omitted].
(d) If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders or Lenders at least constituting 50% of the directly and adversely affected Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Borrower may elect to replace (x) a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity which is reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lender and the Issuing Bank shall agree, as of such date, (A) to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement, (B) to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date, and (C) to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, (D) to consent to the applicable amendment, waiver or consent, and (y) at the Borrower’s election, reduce the Commitments of the Non-Consenting Lender on a non-pro rata basis, and (ii) the Borrower shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrower hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17. Each party hereto agrees that an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender, provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 9.02, guarantees, Collateral Documents and related documents executed by the Loan Parties or the subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement shall be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower and may be, together with this Agreement, amended, modified, supplemented and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment, modification, supplement or waiver is delivered in order to (A) effect the granting, perfection, protection, expansion or enhancement of any security interest in any Collateral or additional property to become Collateral for the benefit of the Secured Parties, (B) as required by local law or advice of counsel to give effect to, or protect any security interest for the benefit of the Secured Parties, in any property or so that the security interests therein comply with applicable requirements of Law, (C) to (x) correct or cure ambiguities, errors, omissions, mistakes or defects, (y) effect administrative changes of a technical or immaterial nature or (z) correct cross references or similar inaccuracies or (D) to cause such guarantee, collateral security document or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any Collateral Document to the contrary, the Administrative Agent, in its reasonable discretion, may grant extensions of time for the satisfaction of any of the requirements described under Sections 5.10 and 5.11 or any Collateral Document in respect of any particular Collateral or any particular Subsidiary if it determines that the satisfaction thereof with respect to such Collateral or such Subsidiary cannot be accomplished without undue expense or unreasonable effort or due to factors beyond the control of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required to be satisfied under this Agreement or any Collateral Document.
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(g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 9.02, if at any time after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall have jointly identified (x) an ambiguity, error, omission or defect, (y) any ambiguity, error, omission, mistake or defect of a technical or immaterial nature or (z) any incorrect cross reference or similar inaccuracy, in each case, in any provision of the Loan Documents, then the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall be permitted to amend such provision and such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document..
(h) The Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably authorize and instruct the Administrative Agent to release (and hereby automatically releases) any Liens granted to or held by the Administrative Agent upon any Collateral (i) upon the termination of all the Commitments, payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Secured Obligations (other than (A) contingent obligations and (B) Swap Agreement Obligations and Banking Services Obligations), and the expiration with no pending drawings or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank have been made), (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of to a Person other than a Loan Party if the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement or pursuant to an Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement, (iii) constituting property leased to the Borrower or any Subsidiary under a lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this Agreement, (iv) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII, (v) as otherwise permitted by, but only in accordance with, the terms of any Loan Document, (vi) assets that are Excluded Property, or (vi) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders, unless such release is required to be approved by all of the Lenders hereunder. At any time that a Loan Party desires that the Administrative Agent take any action to acknowledge or confirm any release of Collateral pursuant to clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of the preceding sentence, such Loan Party shall, upon the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request, deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of such Loan Party (or the Borrower on behalf of such Loan Party) certifying as to such matter relating to such release as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request (and the Lenders authorize the Administrative Agent to rely upon such certificate in performing its obligations hereunder). Upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release particular types or items of Collateral pursuant hereto. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Secured Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent of documents in connection with any such release shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 9.03 Expenses; Limitation of Liability; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.
(a) The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers (limited to Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP (or another law firm agreed by the Borrower) as counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders taken as a whole), in connection with the syndication, distribution (including without limitation, via the internet or through an Approved Electronic Platform) of the Revolving Facility provided for herein, the preparation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender (limited to Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP (or another law firm agreed by the Borrower) as counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders taken as a whole and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel in each relevant material jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole and, in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the affected Lenders taken as a whole), in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder,.
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(b) To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith, material breach of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, or willful misconduct on the part of any Lender-Related Person (as defined below) (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction), the Borrower and any Loan Party shall not assert and the Borrower and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, and any Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called a “Lender-Related Person”), any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet and any Approved Electronic Platform), and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(b) shall relieve the Borrower and each Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(c), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.
(c) Each of the Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers, each Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (other than Excluded Affiliates) (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee (limited to Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP (or another law firm agreed by the Borrower) as counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders taken as a whole and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel in each relevant material jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole, and in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the affected Indemnitees taken as a whole), incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) [intentionally omitted]; (iii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by an Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iv) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or (v) any actual or prospective Proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether or not such Proceeding is brought by the Borrower or any other Loan Party or its or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that (a) such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, material breach or bad faith of such Indemnitee’s (or such Indemnitee’s Related Parties) obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document or (b) any dispute solely among the indemnitee that does not involve an act or omission of the Borrower of any of its Subsidiaries (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity as an administrative agent or arranger or any similar role under the Loan Documents). This Section 9.03(c) shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims, damages etc. arising from any non-Tax claim.
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(d) Each Lender severally agrees to pay any amount required to be paid by any Loan Party under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 9.03 to the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Swingline Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each, an “Agent-Related Person”) (to the extent not reimbursed by any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of such Loan Party to do so), ratably according to their respective Applicable Percentage in effect on the date on which such payment is sought under this Section (or, if such payment is sought after the date upon which the Commitments shall have terminated and the Loans shall have been paid in full, ratably in accordance with such Applicable Percentage immediately prior to such date), and agrees to indemnify and hold each Agent-Related Person harmless from and against any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the fees, charges and disbursements of any kind whatsoever that may at any time (whether before or after the payment of the Loans) be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in any way relating to or arising out of the Commitments, this Agreement, any of the other Loan Documents or any documents contemplated by or referred to herein or therein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any action taken or omitted by such Agent-Related Person under or in connection with any of the foregoing; provided that the unreimbursed expense or Liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against such Agent-Related Person in its capacity as such; provided further that no Lender shall be liable for the payment of any portion of such Liabilities, costs, expenses or disbursements that are found by a final and nonappealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from such Agent-Related Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.
(e) All amounts due under this Section 9.03 shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor (which demand shall include supporting documentation of any demanded amounts).
SECTION 9.04 Successors and Assigns.
(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section 9.04. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of an Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section 9.04) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under the Loan Documents (including all or a portion of its Commitment, participations in Letters of Credit and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of:
(1) the Borrower; provided that, the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to an assignment of all or a portion of the Revolving Loans and Commitments unless it shall have objected thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h) has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee (other than any Ineligible Institution);
(2) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of any Commitment to an assignee that is a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) with a Commitment immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment; (3) each Issuing Bank; provided that no consent of an Issuing Bank shall be required if (x) an Event of Default occurs with respect to the Borrower under Sections 7.01(h) or 7.01(i) and (y) such Issuing Bank has no outstanding Letters of Credit at that time; and
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(4) each Swingline Lender; provided that no consent of a Swingline Lender shall be required if (x) an Event of Default occurs with respect to the Borrower under Sections 7.01(h) or 7.01(i) and (y) such Swingline Lender has no outstanding Swingline Loans at that time.
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(1) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000, unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent; provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (b) or (h) has occurred and is continuing;
(2) each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided that this clause shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans;
(3) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and
(4) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws.
For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the term “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:
“Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
“Ineligible Institution” means (a) a natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Lender Parent, (c) [intentionally omitted], (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party,(e) any Disqualified Lender identified by the Borrower in writing to the Administrative Agent or (f) to any Lender that has made an incorrect representation or warranty or deemed representation or warranty with respect to not being a Net Short Lender as provided in the final paragraph of Section 9.19. The Borrower hereby consents to the Administrative Agent disclosing the Ineligible Institutions to the Lenders (upon their written request to the Administrative Agent).
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(iii) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section 9.04, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section 9.04.
(iv) The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, and, with respect to its own Commitments and Loans, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. This Section 9.04(b)(iv) is intended that the Loans and LC Disbursements shall at all times be maintained in “registered form” within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 165(j), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2), and 4701 of the Code.
(v) Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder),, the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 9.04 and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section 9.04, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05(d), 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(f) or 9.03(d), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.
(c) Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or the Swingline Lender, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”), other than an Ineligible Institution, in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that directly and adversely affects such Participant.
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The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 2.17(f) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered solely to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 9.04; provided that such Participant (A) shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section 9.04; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, unless the participation is made with the prior written consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
(d) Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(c) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under the Loan Documents (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.
(e) Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section 9.04 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
SECTION 9.05 Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower herein and in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Documents shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
Further, notwithstanding any other provisions herein or in any Loan Document to the contrary, no action taken and reported to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall provide the basis for any Event of Default more than two (2) years after the date on which such action was disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Lenders; provided that such two year limitation will not apply with respect to any Default or Event of Default if the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders have exercised remedies in respect of such Default or Event of Default prior to such time, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
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SECTION 9.06 Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution.
(a) This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to (i) fees payable to the Administrative Agent and (ii) the reductions of Issuing Bank Sublimit of any Issuing Bank constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
(b) Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic Signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower and each Loan Party hereby (A) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Borrower and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (B) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (C) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (D) waives any claim against any Lender-Related Person for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Borrower and/or any Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.
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SECTION 9.07 Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
SECTION 9.08 Right of Setoff. Subject to the terms of any Acceptable Subordination or Intercreditor Agreement, if an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank, and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to setoff and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, but excluding any escrow, trust, or tax accounts) (other than those deposits held on a Loan Party’s behalf composed of escrow, payroll and Taxes due thereon or on wages already paid, employee health and benefits, pension, fiduciary, 401(k), petty cash, trust and accounts withheld from payments to third parties intended to be paid over by such Loan Party to a Governmental Authority as withholding Tax) at any time held, and other obligations at any time owing, by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any and all of the obligations of any Loan Party now or hereafter existing under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to such Lender or such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, Issuing Bank or Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such obligations of the Loan Parties may be contingent or unmatured or are owed to a branch office or Affiliate of such Lender or such Issuing Bank different from the branch office or Affiliate holding such deposit or obligated on such indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so setoff shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section 9.08 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.
SECTION 9.09 Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.
(a) This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the Law of the State of New York.
(b) Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent, any Secured Party or any of their respective Related Parties relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(c) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan), and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such Federal (to the extent permitted by law) or New York State court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
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Nothing in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall (i) affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against the Borrower, any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction, (ii) waive any statutory, regulatory, common law, or other rule, doctrine, legal restriction, provision or the like providing for the treatment of bank branches, bank agencies, or other bank offices as if they were separate juridical entities for certain purposes, including Uniform Commercial Code Sections 4-106, 4-A-105(1)(b), and 5-116(b), UCP 600 Article 3 and ISP98 Rule 2.02, and URDG 758 Article 3(a), or (iii) affect which courts have or do not have personal jurisdiction over the issuing bank or beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any advising bank, nominated bank or assignee of proceeds thereunder or proper venue with respect to any litigation arising out of or relating to such Letter of Credit with, or affecting the rights of, any Person not a party to this Agreement, whether or not such Letter of Credit contains its own jurisdiction submission clause.
(d) Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (c) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(e) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 9.10 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 9.10.
SECTION 9.11 Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
SECTION 9.12 Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and its and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential and such Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Lender shall be liable for such Persons to whom such disclosure is made to the extent such Person fails to keep such information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; provided that the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or the enforcement of rights hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap, derivative or insurance transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations, (g) on a confidential basis to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of identification numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein, (h) with the prior consent of the Borrower, or (i) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section, (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any of their respective branches or Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower that is not known to be subject to a confidentiality or fiduciary obligation to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or (iii) is independently discovered or developed by a party hereto without utilizing any Information received from the Borrower or violating the terms of this Section.
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For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Loan Parties or from other Persons on their behalf relating to the Loan Parties, their Subsidiaries or their business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower and other than customary information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry. Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.
For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 9.12 shall prohibit any Person from voluntarily disclosing or providing any Information within the scope of this confidentiality provision to any governmental, regulatory or self-regulatory organization (any such entity, a “Regulatory Authority”) to the extent that any such prohibition on disclosure set forth in this Section 9.12 shall be prohibited by the laws or regulations applicable to such Regulatory Authority.
SECTION 9.13 Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock (as defined in Regulation U of the Board) for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither the Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrower in violation of any Requirement of Law.
SECTION 9.14 USA PATRIOT Act and Beneficial Ownership. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”) and Beneficial Ownership Regulation hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulation, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Patriot Act and Beneficial Ownership Regulation.
SECTION 9.15 Disclosure. Each Loan Party, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with, any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.
SECTION 9.16 Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent (if applicable) or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.
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SECTION 9.17 Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section 9.17 shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the NYFRB Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.
SECTION 9.18 No Fiduciary Duty, Etc.
(a) The Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that no Credit Party will have any obligations except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents and each Credit Party is acting solely in the capacity of an arm’s length contractual counterparty to the Borrower with respect to the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated herein and therein and not as a financial advisor or a fiduciary to, or an agent of, the Borrower or any other person. The Borrower agrees that it will not assert any claim against any Credit Party based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by such Credit Party in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Additionally, the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that no Credit Party is advising the Borrower as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting, regulatory or any other matters in any jurisdiction. The Borrower shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation and appraisal of the transactions contemplated herein or in the other Loan Documents, and the Credit Parties shall have no responsibility or liability to the Borrower with respect thereto.
(b) The Borrower further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates, in addition to providing or participating in commercial lending facilities such as that provided hereunder, is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, the Borrower and other companies with which the Borrower may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.
(c) In addition, the Borrower acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which the Borrower may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from the Borrower by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Borrower in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. The Borrower also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to the Borrower, confidential information obtained from other companies.
SECTION 9.19 Net Short Lenders. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in connection with any determination as to whether the requisite Lenders have (A) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, (B) otherwise acted on any matter related to any Loan Document, or (C) directed or required the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) with respect to or under any Loan Document, any Lender (including its Affiliates for purposes hereof) (other than any Lender that is a Regulated Bank or an Affiliate of a Regulated Bank) that, as a result of its interest in any total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract (other than any such total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract entered into pursuant to bona fide market making activities), has a net short position that is at least 5% short with respect to the Loans and Commitments (each such Lender, a “Net Short Lender”) shall have no right to vote with respect to any amendment, modification or waiver of this Agreement or any other Loan Documents and shall be deemed to have voted its interest as a Lender without discretion in the same proportion as the allocation of voting with respect to such matter by Lenders who are not such Net Short Lenders; provided that the forgoing shall not apply to any Lender that is a Regulated Entity or, subject to the Borrower’s consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), an Affiliate of a Regulated Entity and (y) such Affiliate is also an Affiliate of a Regulated Entity.
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In connection with any such determination, each Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent in writing that it is a Net Short Lender, or shall otherwise be deemed to have represented and warranted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that it is not a Net Short Lender (it being understood and agreed that the Borrower and Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on each Lender as to such Lender’s status as a Net Short Lender). The Administrative Agent (and its sub-agents) shall not be responsible or have any liability for, or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, monitor or enforce, any other Lender’s compliance with the provisions hereof relating to Net Short Lenders. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (and its sub-agents), in such capacity and not in its capacity as a Lender, if applicable, shall not be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender or Participant or prospective Assignee or Participant is a Net Short Lender.
SECTION 9.20 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or
(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.
SECTION 9.21 Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs.
(a) To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States).
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(b) In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.
ARTICLE X
LOAN GUARANTY
SECTION 10.01 Guaranty. Each Guarantor (other than those that have delivered a separate Loan Guaranty) hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Secured Parties, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Secured Obligations and all reasonable out of pocket costs and expenses to which the Secured Parties are entitled to reimbursement under Section 9.03, including, without limitation, all court costs and reasonable attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees and expenses paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Secured Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, the Borrower, any Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Secured Obligations, in each case, to the extent reimbursable under Section 9.03 (such costs and expenses, together with the Secured Obligations, collectively the “Guaranteed Obligations”); provided, however, that the definition of “Guaranteed Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Guarantor of (or grant of security interest by any Guarantor to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Guarantor. Each Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations. This Loan Guaranty is a continuing guarantee and shall remain in effect until the Maturity Date. Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any right to revoke this Loan Guaranty as to future transactions giving rise to any Guaranteed Obligations.
SECTION 10.02 Guaranty of Payment. This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Guarantor waives (to the extent permitted by applicable law) any right to require the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to sue the Borrower, any Guarantor, any other guarantor, or any other Person obligated for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “Obligated Party”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.
SECTION 10.03 No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty.
(a) Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the payment of the applicable portion of the Guaranteed Obligations), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration, or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise; (ii) any change in the corporate existence, structure or ownership of the Borrower or any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party, or their assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, any Lender, or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.
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(b) The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.
(c) Further, the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection, or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of the Borrower for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any collateral securing any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the payment of the applicable portion of the Guaranteed Obligations).
SECTION 10.04 Defenses Waived. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower or any Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower, any Guarantor or any other Obligated Party, other than, in each case, the payment of the applicable portion of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any Person against any Obligated Party, or any other Person. Each Guarantor confirms that it is not a surety under any state law and shall not raise any such law as a defense to its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any Collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such Collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty, except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been Paid in Full. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.
SECTION 10.05 Rights of Subrogation. No Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification that it has against any Obligated Party, or any collateral, until the Payment in Full of the Secured Obligations.
SECTION 10.06 Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration. If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by a Secured Party in its discretion), each Guarantor’s obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.
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SECTION 10.07 Information. Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.
SECTION 10.08 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 10.09 [Intentionally Omitted].
SECTION 10.10 Maximum Liability. The provisions of this Loan Guaranty are severable, and in any action or proceeding involving any state corporate law, or any state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty would otherwise be held or determined to be avoidable, invalid or unenforceable on account of the amount of such Guarantor’s liability under this Loan Guaranty, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by the Guarantors or the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount that is valid and enforceable as determined in such action or proceeding (such highest amount determined hereunder being the relevant Guarantor’s “Maximum Liability”). This Section 10.10 with respect to the Maximum Liability of each Guarantor is intended solely to preserve the rights of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders to the maximum extent not subject to avoidance under applicable law, and no Guarantor nor any other Person shall have any right or claim under this Section 10.10 with respect to such Maximum Liability, except to the extent necessary so that the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder shall not be rendered voidable under applicable law. Each Guarantor agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may at any time and from time to time exceed the Maximum Liability of each Guarantor without impairing this Loan Guaranty or affecting the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Lenders hereunder; provided that nothing in this sentence shall be construed to increase any Guarantor’s obligations hereunder beyond its Maximum Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty, the amount guaranteed by each Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the extent, if any, required so that its obligations hereunder shall not be subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, Uniform Voidable Transactions Act or similar statute or common law. In determining the limitations, if any, on the amount of any Guarantor’s obligations hereunder pursuant to the preceding sentence, it is the intention of the parties hereto that any rights of subrogation, indemnification or contribution which such Guarantor may have under this Loan Guaranty, any other agreement or applicable law shall be taken into account.
SECTION 10.11 Contribution.
(a) To the extent that any Guarantor shall make a payment under this Loan Guaranty (a “Guarantor Payment”) which, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Guarantor, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Guarantor if each Guarantor had paid the aggregate Guaranteed Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion as such Guarantor’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Guarantors as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following payment in full in cash of the Guarantor Payment, the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement, such Guarantor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Guarantor for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.
(b) As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of any Guarantor shall be equal to the excess of the fair saleable value of the property of such Guarantor over the total liabilities of such Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, calculated, without duplication, assuming each other Guarantor that is also liable for such contingent liability pays its ratable share thereof), giving effect to all payments made by other Guarantors as of such date in a manner to maximize the amount of such contributions.
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(c) This Section 10.11 is intended only to define the relative rights of the Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this Section 10.11 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Loan Guaranty.
(d) The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Guarantor or Guarantors to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.
(e) The rights of the indemnifying Guarantors against other Guarantors under this Section 10.11 shall be exercisable upon the Payment in Full of the Guaranteed Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
SECTION 10.12 Liability Cumulative. The liability of each Loan Party as a Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.
SECTION 10.13 Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Loan Guaranty in respect of a Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 10.13 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 10.13 or otherwise under this Loan Guaranty voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 10.13 shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Swap Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 10.13 constitute, and this Section 10.13 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
SECTION 10.14 Release of Guarantors.
(a) A Guarantor shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary. In connection with any release pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to) execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s sole expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such release. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.
(b) Further, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to), upon the request of the Borrower, release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty if such Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary or is disposed in accordance with this Agreement to a Person that is not a Loan Party; provided, that if any Guarantor ceases to be a wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Borrower, such Subsidiary shall not be released from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty if the primary reason that such Guarantor has become an Excluded Subsidiary is as a result of a transfer of the Equity Interests of such Guarantor to an Affiliate of the Borrower that was done other than for a bona fide business purpose and in contemplation of adversely affecting the Secured Parties’ interests in the Loan Guaranty and/or Collateral.
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(c) At such time as the principal and interest on the Loans, all LC Disbursements, the fees, expenses and other amounts payable under the Loan Documents and the other Secured Obligations shall have been Paid in Full, all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of each Guarantor thereunder shall automatically terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any Person.
(d) Upon the effectiveness of any written consent to the release of the security interest created under any Collateral Document in any Collateral pursuant to Section 9.02, the security interests in such Collateral created by the Collateral Documents shall be automatically released.
[remainder of page intentionally left blank; signature pages follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
| BORROWER: | ||
| FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC., a Delaware corporation |
||
| By: | /s/ Darren Ma | |
| Name: | Darren Ma | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
| GUARANTORS: | ||
| FIREFLY SPACE TRANSPORT SERVICES, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company |
||
| By: | /s/ Darren Ma | |
| Name: | Darren Ma | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
| FIREFLY RESEARCH, INC., a Delaware corporation |
||
| By: | /s/ Darren Ma | |
| Name: | Darren Ma | |
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer | |
[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]
| WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank, Lender and Swingline Lender |
||
| By: | /s/ Tanner Ketellapper | |
| Name: | Tanner Ketellapper | |
| Title: | Executive Director | |
[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]
| LENDER AND ISSUING BANK: | ||
| JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Lender and Issuing Bank |
||
| By: | /s/ Elizabeth O’Conor | |
| Name: | Elizabeth O’Conor | |
| Title: | Authorized Officer | |
[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]
| LENDER AND ISSUING BANK: | ||
| GOLDMAN SACHS LENDING PARTNERS LLC, as Lender and Issuing Bank | ||
| By: | /s/ Thomas Manning | |
| Name: | Thomas Manning | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]
Exhibit 10.2
FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of August 8, 2025, among Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), each of the investors listed on the signature pages hereto under the caption “Sponsor Investors” (collectively, the “Sponsor Investors”), each Person listed on the signature pages under the caption “Other Investors” or who executes a Joinder as an “Other Investor” (collectively, the “Other Investors”). Except as otherwise specified herein, all capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in Exhibit A attached hereto.
RECITALS
WHEREAS, each of the Sponsor Investors and Other Investors (the “Pre-IPO Investors”), including Astera Institute and its transferees (“Astera”), are party to the Sixth Amended and Restated Investors’ rights Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2024, by and among the Company and such Pre-IPO Investors (the “Investors’ Rights Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the undersigned Pre-IPO Investors are holders of a sufficient number of the securities of the Company as are required to amend the Investors’ Rights Agreement and, in connection with the initial public offering of the securities of the Company, desire to amend and restate the Investors’ Rights Agreement in its entirety and to accept the rights created pursuant to this Agreement in lieu of the rights granted to them under the Investors’ Rights Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement hereby agree as follows:
Section 1 Demand Registrations.
(a) Requests for Registration. At any time and from time to time, the Sponsor Investors and/or, at any time after two hundred seventy (270) days after the date hereof, Astera, may request registration under the Securities Act of all or any portion of their Registrable Securities on Form S-1 or any similar long-form registration statement (“Long-Form Registrations”) or on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration statement (“Short-Form Registrations”), if available (any such requested registration, a “Demand Registration”). The Sponsor Investors or Astera, as applicable, may request that any Demand Registration be made pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (a “Shelf Registration”) and (if the Company is a WKSI at the time any such request is submitted to the Company or will become one by the time of the filing of such Shelf Registration) that such Shelf Registration be an automatic shelf registration statement (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) (an “Automatic Shelf Registration Statement”). Each request for a Demand Registration must specify the approximate number or dollar value of Registrable Securities requested to be registered by the requesting Holders and (if known) the intended method of distribution. The Sponsor Investors will be entitled to request an unlimited number of Demand Registrations and Astera will be entitled to request not more than two (2) Long-Form Registrations and an unlimited amount of Short-Form Registrations; provided that the anticipated aggregate offering value of the Registrable Securities requested to be registered in any (a) Long-Form Registration must equal at least $15,000,000 and (b) Short-Form Registration must equal at last $5,000,000. The Company will pay all Expenses (as defined below), whether or not any such registration is consummated, provided that the Company shall not be required to pay for any Expenses if a registration request made pursuant to this Section 1(a) is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the party submitting such request, unless such party agrees to forfeit its right to one registration pursuant to this Section 1(a).
A registration shall not be counted as “effected” for purposes of this Section 1(a) until such time as the applicable registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, unless the applicable Holders withdraw their request for such registration, elect not to pay the registration expenses therefor, and forfeit their right to one Demand Right pursuant to this Section 1(a), in which case such withdrawn registration statement shall be counted as effected for purposes of this Section 1(a); provided, that if such withdrawal is during a period the Company has deferred taking action pursuant to Section 1(f), then the applicable Holder may withdraw their request for registration and such registration will not be counted as effected for purposes of this Section 1(a).
(b) Notice to Other Holders. Within four (4) Business Days after receipt of any such request, the Company will give written notice of the Demand Registration to all other Holders and, subject to the terms of Section 1(e), will include in such Demand Registration (and in all related registrations and qualifications under state blue sky laws and in any related underwriting) all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within ten (10) days after the receipt of the Company’s notice; provided that, with the written consent of the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Demand Registration, the Company may, or at the written request of the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Demand Registration, the Company shall, instead provide notice of the Demand Registration to all other Holders within three (3) Business Days following the non-confidential filing of the registration statement with respect to the Demand Registration so long as such registration statement is not an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company’s obligation to include Registrable Securities in the Demand Registration as set forth above will not be affected by its decision to provide notice after the non-confidential filing of a registration statement.
(c) Form of Registrations. All Long-Form Registrations will be underwritten registrations unless otherwise approved by the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Long-Form Registration. Demand Registrations will be Short-Form Registrations whenever the Company is permitted to use any applicable short form unless otherwise requested by the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Short-Form Registration.
(d) Shelf Registrations.
(i) For so long as a registration statement for a Shelf Registration (a “Shelf Registration Statement”) is and remains effective, any Demand Investor will have the right at any time or from time to time to elect to sell pursuant to an offering (including an underwritten offering) Registrable Securities available for sale pursuant to such registration statement (“Shelf Registrable Securities”). If such Demand Investor(s) desire to sell Registrable Securities pursuant to an underwritten offering, then such Demand Investor(s) may deliver to the Company a written notice (a “Shelf Offering Notice”) specifying the number of Shelf Registrable Securities that such Demand Investor(s) desire to sell pursuant to such underwritten offering (the “Shelf Offering”). As promptly as practicable, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days after receipt of a Shelf Offering Notice, the Company will give written notice of such Shelf Offering Notice to all other Holders of Shelf Registrable Securities that have been identified as selling stockholders in such Shelf Registration Statement and are otherwise permitted to sell in such Shelf Offering, which such notice shall request that each such Holder specify, within seven (7) days after the Company’s receipt of the Shelf Offering Notice, the maximum number of Shelf Registrable Securities such Holder desires to be disposed of in such Shelf Offering. The Company, subject to Section 1(e) and Section 7, will include in such Shelf Offering all Shelf Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received timely written requests for inclusion. The Company will, as expeditiously as possible (and in any event within fourteen (14) days after the receipt of a Shelf Offering Notice), but subject to Section 1(e), use its best efforts to consummate such Shelf Offering.
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(ii) If any Demand Investor desires to engage in an underwritten block trade or bought deal pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement (either through filing an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement or through a take-down from an already existing Shelf Registration Statement) (each, an “Underwritten Block Trade”), then notwithstanding the time periods set forth in Section 1(d)(i), such Demand Investor may notify the Company of the Underwritten Block Trade not less than two (2) Business Days prior to the day such offering is first anticipated to commence. If requested by such Demand Investor, the Company will promptly notify other Holders of such Underwritten Block Trade and such notified Holders (each, a “Potential Participant”) may elect whether or not to participate no later than the next Business Day (i.e. one (1) Business Day prior to the day such offering is to commence) (unless a longer period is agreed to by such requesting Holders), and the Company will as expeditiously as possible use its best efforts to facilitate such Underwritten Block Trade (which may close as early as two (2) Business Days after the date it commences); provided further that, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1(d)(i), no Holder (other than Demand Investors) will be permitted to participate in an Underwritten Block Trade unless the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Underwritten Block Trade shall consent. Any Potential Participant’s request to participate in an Underwritten Block Trade shall be binding on the Potential Participant.
(iii) All determinations as to whether to complete any Shelf Offering and as to the timing, manner, price and other terms of any Shelf Offering contemplated by this Section 1(d) shall be determined by the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Shelf Offering, and the Company shall use its best efforts to cause any Shelf Offering to occur in accordance with such determinations as promptly as practicable.
(iv) The Company will, at the request of any Holder or group of Holders entitled to request a Shelf Offering, file any prospectus supplement or any post-effective amendments and otherwise take any action necessary to include therein all disclosure and language deemed necessary or advisable by such Holders to effect such Shelf Offering.
(e) Priority on Demand Registrations and Shelf Offerings. The Company will not include in any Demand Registration any securities that are not Registrable Securities without the prior written consent of the Majority Participating Investors. If a Demand Registration or a Shelf Offering is an underwritten offering and the managing underwriters advise the Company in writing that in their opinion the number of Registrable Securities and (if permitted hereunder) other securities requested to be included in such offering exceeds the number of Registrable Securities and other securities (if any), which can be sold therein without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing or method of distribution of the offering, then the Company will include in such offering (prior to the inclusion of any securities which are not Registrable Securities) the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included by any Holder which, in the opinion of such underwriters, can be sold, without any such adverse effect, pro rata among such Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder.
(f) Restrictions on Demand Registration and Shelf Offerings.
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(i) The Company may postpone, for up to 90 days (or with the consent of the requesting Demand Investor(s), a longer period) from the date of the request (the “Suspension Period”), the filing or the effectiveness of a registration statement for a Demand Registration or suspend the use of a prospectus that is part of a Shelf Registration Statement (and therefore suspend sales of the Shelf Registrable Securities) by providing written notice to the Holders if the following conditions are met: (A) the Company determines that the offer or sale of Registrable Securities would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on any proposal or plan by the Company or any Subsidiary to engage in any material acquisition of assets or stock (other than in the ordinary course of business) or any material merger, consolidation, tender offer, recapitalization, reorganization, financing or other transaction involving the Company and (B) upon advice of counsel, the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement would require disclosure of material non-public information not otherwise required to be disclosed under applicable law, and either (x) the Company has a bona fide business purpose for preserving the confidentiality of such transaction or (y) such transaction renders the Company unable to comply with SEC requirements, in each case under circumstances that would make it impractical or inadvisable to cause the registration statement (or such filings) to become effective or to promptly amend or supplement the registration statement on a post effective basis, as applicable. The Company may delay or suspend the effectiveness of a Demand Registration or Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to this Section 1(f)(i) only once in any twelve (12)-month period (for avoidance of doubt, in addition to the Company’s rights and obligations under Section 4(a)(vi)) unless additional delays or suspensions are approved by the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Demand Registration or Shelf Registration Statement; provided further that the Company shall not register any securities for its own account or that of any other Holder during such ninety (90) day period other than a registration on Form S-4 or S-8 or any successor or similar form.
(ii) In the case of an event that causes the Company to suspend the use of a Shelf Registration Statement as set forth in Section 1(f)(i) above or pursuant to Section 4(a)(vi) (a “Suspension Event”), the Company will give a notice to the Holders whose Registrable Securities are registered pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement (a “Suspension Notice”) to suspend sales of the Registrable Securities and such notice must state generally the basis for the notice and that such suspension will continue only for so long as the Suspension Event or its effect is continuing. Each Holder agrees not to effect any sales of its Registrable Securities pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement (or such filings) at any time after it has received a Suspension Notice from the Company and prior to receipt of an End of Suspension Notice. A Holder may recommence effecting sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement (or such filings) following further written notice to such effect (an “End of Suspension Notice”) from the Company, which End of Suspension Notice will be given by the Company to the Holders promptly following the conclusion of any Suspension Event (and in any event during the permitted Suspension Period).
(g) Selection of Underwriters. The investment banker(s) and manager(s) to administer any underwritten offering in connection with any Demand Registration or Shelf Offering shall be selected by the Company’s board of directors, which selection shall be reasonably acceptable to the Demand Investor(s) requesting such Demand Registration or Shelf Offering.
(h) Other Registration Rights. Except as provided in this Agreement, the Company will not grant to any Person(s) the right to request the Company or any Subsidiary to register any equity securities of the Company or any Subsidiary, or any securities convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for such securities, without the prior written consent of Holders of at least of majority of the Registrable Securities then outstanding.
(i) Revocation of Demand Notice or Shelf Offering Notice. At any time prior to the effective date of the registration statement relating to a Demand Registration or the “pricing” of any offering relating to a Shelf Offering Notice, the Demand Investor who initiated such Demand Registration or Shelf Offering may revoke or withdraw such notice of a Demand Registration or Shelf Offering Notice on behalf of all Holders participating in such Demand Registration or Shelf Offering without liability to such Holders (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the other Participating Demand Investors), in each case by providing written notice to the Company.
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(j) Confidentiality. Each Holder agrees to treat as confidential the receipt of any notice hereunder (including notice of a Demand Registration, a Shelf Offering Notice and a Suspension Notice) and the information contained therein, and not to disclose or use the information contained in any such notice (or the existence thereof) without the prior written consent of the Company until such time as the information contained therein is or becomes available to the public generally (other than as a result of disclosure by such Holder in breach of the terms of this Agreement).
Section 2 Piggyback Registrations.
(a) Right to Piggyback. Whenever the Company proposes to register any of its equity securities under the Securities Act (including primary and secondary registrations, and other than pursuant to an Excluded Registration) (a “Piggyback Registration”), the Company will give prompt written notice (and in any event within three (3) Business Days after the public filing of the registration statement relating to the Piggyback Registration) to all Holders of its intention to effect such Piggyback Registration and, subject to the terms of Section 2(b) and Section 2(c), will include in such Piggyback Registration (and in all related registrations or qualifications under blue sky laws and in any related underwriting) all Registrable Securities with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within ten (10) days after delivery of the Company’s notice.
(b) Priority on Primary Registrations. Other than the securities the Company proposes to register on its own behalf, the Company will not include in any Piggyback Registration any securities that are not Registrable Securities without the prior written consent of the Majority Participating Investors. If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten primary registration on behalf of the Company, and the managing underwriters advise the Company in writing that in their opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing or method of distribution of the offering, the Company will include in such registration (i) first, the securities the Company proposes to sell, (ii) second, the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any Holder which, in the opinion of such underwriters, can be sold, without any such adverse effect, pro rata among such Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder and (iii) third, other securities requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of Registrable Securities included in such offering be reduced below twenty percent (20%) of the total number of securities included in such offering.
(c) Priority on Secondary Registrations. Other than the securities the Company proposes to register on its own behalf, the Company will not include in any Piggyback Registration any securities that are not Registrable Securities without the prior written consent of the Majority Participating Investors. If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten secondary registration on behalf of holders of the Company’s equity securities (other than pursuant to Section 1 hereof), and the managing underwriters advise the Company in writing that in their opinion the number of securities requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be sold in such offering without adversely affecting the marketability, proposed offering price, timing or method of distribution of the offering, the Company will include in such registration (i) first, the securities requested to be included therein by the holders initially requesting such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect, (ii) second, the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration by any other Holder which, in the opinion of such underwriters, can be sold, without any such adverse effect, pro rata among such Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Securities owned by each such Holder and (iii) third, other securities requested to be included in such registration which, in the opinion of the underwriters, can be sold without any such adverse effect. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the number of Registrable Securities included in such offering be reduced below twenty percent (20%) of the total number of securities included in such offering.
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(d) Right to Terminate Registration. The Company will have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section 2, whether or not any holder of Registrable Securities has elected to include securities in such registration.
(e) Selection of Underwriters. If any Piggyback Registration is an underwritten offering, the investment banker(s) and manager(s) for the offering shall be selected by the Company, which selection shall be reasonably acceptable to the Majority Participating Investors.
Section 3 Stockholder Lock-Up Agreements and Company Holdback Agreement.
(a) Stockholder Lock-up Agreements. In connection with any underwritten Public Offering, each participating Holder will enter into any lock-up, holdback or similar agreements reasonably requested by the underwriter(s) managing such offering. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each participating Holder hereby agrees that in connection with any Demand Registration, Shelf Offering or Piggyback Registration that is an underwritten Public Offering, not to (i) offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of (including sales pursuant to Rule 144), directly or indirectly, any equity securities of the Company (including equity securities of the Company that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by such Holder in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC) (collectively, “Securities”), or any securities, options or rights convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for Securities (collectively, “Other Securities”), (ii) enter into a transaction which would have the same effect as described in clause (i) above, (iii) enter into any swap, hedge or other arrangement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences or ownership of any Securities or Other Securities, whether such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such Securities or Other Securities, in cash or otherwise (each of (i), (ii) and (iii) above, a “Sale Transaction”), or (iv) publicly disclose the intention to enter into any Sale Transaction, commencing on the earlier of (A) the date on which the Company gives notice to the Holders that a preliminary prospectus for such underwritten Public Offering has been circulated to potential investors or (B) the “pricing” of such offering, and continuing to the date that is 90 days following the date of the final prospectus relating to such offering (each such period, or such shorter period as agreed to by the managing underwriters, a “Holdback Period”); provided that no Holder shall be required to enter into such lock-up unless all executive officers and directors of the Company and all participating Holders individually owning more than one percent (1%) of the Company’s outstanding common stock are subject to the same restrictions. The Company may impose stop-transfer instructions with respect to any Securities or Other Securities subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 3(a) until the end of such Holdback Period. This Section 3(a) shall not apply to the Company’s initial Public Offering and any lock-up or similar agreements entered into pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement or otherwise (an “IPO Lock-Up Agreement”) in effect as of the date hereof shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms thereof. Any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any or all of such agreements (whether such agreement is an IPO Lock-Up Agreement or is entered into pursuant to this Section 3(a)) by the Company or the underwriters shall apply pro rata to all Company stockholders that are subject to such agreements, based on the number of shares subject to such agreements.
(b) Company Holdback Agreement. The Company (i) will not file any registration statement for a Public Offering or cause any such registration statement to become effective, or effect any public sale or distribution of its Securities or Other Securities during any Holdback Period (other than as part of such underwritten Public Offering, or a registration on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor or similar form which is (x) then in effect or (y) shall become effective upon the conversion, exchange or exercise of any then outstanding Other Securities) and (ii) will cause each of its directors and executive officers to enter into any customary lock-up, holdback or similar agreements requested by the underwriter(s) managing such offering.
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Section 4 Registration Procedures.
(a) Company Obligations. Whenever the Holders have requested that any Registrable Securities be registered pursuant to this Agreement or have initiated a Shelf Offering, the Company will use its best efforts to effect the registration and the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof, and pursuant thereto the Company will as expeditiously as possible:
(i) prepare and file with (or submit confidentially to) the SEC a registration statement, and all amendments and supplements thereto and related prospectuses, with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective, all in accordance with the Securities Act and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (provided that before filing or confidentially submitting a registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Company will furnish to the counsel selected by any Participating Demand Investors covered by such registration statement copies of all such documents proposed to be filed or submitted, which documents will be subject to the review and comment of such counsel);
(ii) notify each Holder of (A) the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of any registration statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (B) the receipt by the Company or its counsel of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose, and (C) the effectiveness of each registration statement filed hereunder;
(iii) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for a period ending when all of the securities covered by such registration statement have been disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement (but not in any event before the expiration of any longer period required under the Securities Act or, if such registration statement relates to an underwritten Public Offering, such longer period as in the opinion of counsel for the underwriters a prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sale of Registrable Securities by an underwriter or dealer) and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement;
(iv) furnish, without charge, to each seller of Registrable Securities thereunder and each underwriter, if any, such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the prospectus included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus) (in each case including all exhibits and documents incorporated by reference therein), each amendment and supplement thereto, each Free Writing Prospectus and such other documents as such seller or underwriter, if any, may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller (the Company hereby consenting to the use in accordance with all applicable laws of each such registration statement, each such amendment and supplement thereto, and each such prospectus (or preliminary prospectus or supplement thereto) or Free Writing Prospectus by each such seller of Registrable Securities and the underwriters, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement or prospectus); (v) use its best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Securities under such other securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any seller reasonably requests and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such seller to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller (provided that the Company will not be required to (A) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subparagraph, (B) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction or (C) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction);
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(vi) notify in writing each seller of such Registrable Securities (A) promptly after it receives notice thereof, of the date and time when such registration statement and each post-effective amendment thereto has become effective or a prospectus or supplement to any prospectus relating to a registration statement has been filed and when any registration or qualification has become effective under a state securities or blue sky law or any exemption thereunder has been obtained, (B) promptly after receipt thereof, of any request by the SEC for the amendment or supplementing of such registration statement or prospectus or for additional information, (C) at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event or of any information or circumstances as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, subject to Section 1(f), if required by applicable law or to the extent requested by the Participating Demand Investors, the Company will use its best efforts to promptly prepare and file a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading and (D) if at any time the representations and warranties of the Company in any underwriting agreement, securities sale agreement, or other similar agreement, relating to the offering shall cease to be true and correct;
(vii) (A) use best efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed and, if not so listed, to be listed on a securities exchange and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, to arrange for at least two market markers to register as such with respect to such Registrable Securities with FINRA, and (B) comply (and continue to comply) with the requirements of any self-regulatory organization applicable to the Company, including without limitation all corporate governance requirements;
(viii) use best efforts to provide a transfer agent and registrar for all such Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of such registration statement;
(ix) enter into and perform such customary agreements (including, as applicable, underwriting agreements in customary form) and take all such other actions as the Participating Demand Investors or the underwriters, if any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities (including, without limitation, making available the executive officers of the Company and participating in “road shows,” investor presentations, marketing events and other selling efforts and effecting a stock or unit split or combination, recapitalization or reorganization); (x) make available for inspection by any seller of Registrable Securities, any underwriter participating in any disposition or sale pursuant to such registration statement and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such seller or underwriter, all financial and other records, pertinent corporate and business documents and properties of the Company as will be necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement and the disposition of such Registrable Securities pursuant thereto;
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(xi) take all actions to ensure that any Free-Writing Prospectus utilized in connection with any Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration or Shelf Offering hereunder complies in all material respects with the Securities Act, is filed in accordance with the Securities Act to the extent required thereby, is retained in accordance with the Securities Act to the extent required thereby and, when taken together with the related prospectus, prospectus supplement and related documents, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
(xii) otherwise use its best efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC, and make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least twelve (12) months beginning with the first day of the Company’s first full calendar quarter after the effective date of the registration statement, which earnings statement will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder;
(xiii) permit any Holder which, in its sole and exclusive judgment, might be deemed to be an underwriter or a controlling person of the Company, to participate in the preparation of such registration or comparable statement and to allow such Holder to provide language for insertion therein, in form and substance satisfactory to the Company, which in the reasonable judgment of such Holder and its counsel should be included;
(xiv) use best efforts to (A) make Short-Form Registration available for the sale of Registrable Securities and (B) prevent the issuance of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a registration statement, or the issuance of any order suspending or preventing the use of any related prospectus or suspending the qualification of any Common Equity included in such registration statement for sale in any jurisdiction use, and in the event any such order is issued, best efforts to obtain promptly the withdrawal of such order;
(xv) use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement to be registered with or approved by such other governmental agencies or authorities as may be necessary to enable the sellers thereof to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;
(xvi) cooperate with the Holders covered by the registration statement and the managing underwriter or agent, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (not bearing any restrictive legends) representing securities to be sold under the registration statement, or the removal of any restrictive legends associated with any account at which such securities are held, and enable such securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter, or agent, if any, or such Holders may request; (xvii) if requested by any managing underwriter, include in any prospectus or prospectus supplement updated financial or business information for the Company’s most recent period or current quarterly period (including estimated results or ranges of results) if required for purposes of marketing the offering in the view of the managing underwriter;
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(xviii) take no direct or indirect action prohibited by Regulation M under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that to the extent that any prohibition is applicable to the Company, the Company will take such action as is necessary to make any such prohibition inapplicable;
(xix) cooperate with each Holder covered by the registration statement and each underwriter or agent participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with the preparation and filing of applications, notices, registrations and responses to requests for additional information with FINRA, the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq or any other national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Equity are or are to be listed, and (B) to the extent required by the rules and regulations of FINRA, retain a Qualified Independent Underwriter acceptable to the managing underwriter;
(xx) in the case of any underwritten offering, use its best efforts to obtain, and deliver to the underwriter(s), in the manner and to the extent provided for in the applicable underwriting agreement, one or more cold comfort letters from the Company’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by cold comfort letters;
(xxi) use its best efforts to provide (A) a legal opinion of the Company’s outside counsel, dated the effective date of such registration statement addressed to the Company, (B) on the date that such Registrable Securities are delivered to the underwriters for sale in connection with a Demand Registration or Shelf Offering, if such securities are being sold through underwriters, or, if such securities are not being sold through underwriters, on the closing date of the applicable sale, (1) one or more legal opinions of the Company’s outside counsel, dated such date, in form and substance as customarily given to underwriters in an underwritten public offering or, in the case of a non-underwritten offering, to the broker, placement agent or other agent of the Holders assisting in the sale of the Registrable Securities and (2) one or more “negative assurances letters” of the Company’s outside counsel, dated such date, in form and substance as is customarily given to underwriters in an underwritten public offering or, in the case of a non-underwritten offering, to the broker, placement agent or other agent of the Holders assisting in the sale of the Registrable Securities, in each case, addressed to the underwriters, if any, or, if requested, in the case of a non-underwritten offering, to the broker, placement agent or other agent of the Holders assisting in the sale of the Registrable Securities and (3) customary certificates executed by authorized officers of the Company as may be requested by any Holder or any underwriter of such Registrable Securities;
(xxii) if the Company files an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement covering any Registrable Securities, use its best efforts to remain a WKSI (and not become an ineligible issuer (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act)) during the period during which such Automatic Shelf Registration Statement is required to remain effective;
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(xxiii) if the Company does not pay the filing fee covering the Registrable Securities at the time an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement is filed, pay such fee at such time or times as the Registrable Securities are to be sold; (xxiv) if the Automatic Shelf Registration Statement has been outstanding for at least three (3) years, at the end of the third year, refile a new Automatic Shelf Registration Statement covering the Registrable Securities, and, if at any time when the Company is required to re-evaluate its WKSI status the Company determines that it is not a WKSI, use its best efforts to refile the Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 and, if such form is not available, Form S-1 and keep such registration statement effective during the period during which such registration statement is required to be kept effective; and
(xxv) if requested by any Participating Demand Investor, cooperate with such Participating Demand Investor and with the managing underwriter or agent, if any, on reasonable notice to facilitate any Charitable Gifting Event and to prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement and the Prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to permit any such recipient Charitable Organization to sell in the underwritten offering if it so elects.
(b) Officer Obligations. Each Holder that is an officer of the Company agrees that if and for so long as he or she is employed by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof, he or she will participate fully in the sale process in a manner customary for persons in like positions and consistent with his or her other duties with the Company, including the preparation of the registration statement and the preparation and presentation of any road shows.
(c) Automatic Shelf Registration Statements. If the Company files any Automatic Shelf Registration Statement for the benefit of the holders of any of its securities other than the Holders, and the Demand Investors do not request that their Registrable Securities be included in such Shelf Registration Statement, the Company agrees that, at the request of the Demand Investors, it will include in such Automatic Shelf Registration Statement such disclosures as may be required by Rule 430B in order to ensure that the Demand Investors may be added to such Shelf Registration Statement at a later time through the filing of a prospectus supplement rather than a post-effective amendment. If the Company has filed any Automatic Shelf Registration Statement for the benefit of the holders of any of its securities other than the Holders, the Company shall, at the request of the Demand Investors, file any post-effective amendments necessary to include therein all disclosure and language necessary to ensure that the holders of Registrable Securities may be added to such Shelf Registration Statement.
(d) Additional Information. The Company may require each seller of Registrable Securities as to which any registration is being effected to furnish the Company such information regarding such seller and the distribution of such securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing, as a condition to such seller’s participation in such registration.
(e) In-Kind Distributions. If any Demand Investor (and/or any of their Affiliates) seeks to effectuate an in-kind distribution of all or part of their Registrable Securities to their respective direct or indirect equityholders, the Company will, subject to any applicable lock-ups, reasonably cooperate with and assist such stockholder, such equityholders and the Company’s transfer agent to facilitate such in-kind distribution in the manner reasonably requested by such Stockholder (including the delivery of instruction letters by the Company or its counsel to the Company’s transfer agent, the delivery of customary legal opinions by counsel to the Company and the delivery of Company Shares without restrictive legends, to the extent no longer applicable).
(f) Suspended Distributions. Each Person participating in a registration hereunder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 4(a)(vi), such Person will immediately discontinue the disposition of its Registrable Securities pursuant to the registration statement until such Person’s receipt of the copies of a supplemented or amended prospectus as contemplated by Section 4(a)(vi), subject to the Company’s compliance with its obligations under Section 4(a)(vi).
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(g) Registerable Securities Transactions. If requested by any Holder in connection with any transaction involving any Registrable Securities (including any sale or other transfer of such securities without registration under the Securities Act, any margin loan with respect to such securities and any pledge of such securities), the Company agrees to provide such Holder with customary and reasonable assistance to facilitate such transaction, including, without limitation, (i) such action as such Holder may reasonably request from time to time to enable such Holder to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act and (ii) entering into an “issuer’s agreement” in connection with any margin loan with respect to such securities in customary form.
(h) Other. To the extent that any of the Participating Demand Investors is or may be deemed to be an “underwriter” of Registrable Securities pursuant to any SEC comments or policies, the Company agrees that (i) the indemnification and contribution provisions contained in Section 6 shall be applicable to the benefit of such Participating Demand Investor in their role as an underwriter or deemed underwriter in addition to their capacity as a holder and (ii) such Participating Demand Investor shall be entitled to conduct the due diligence which they would normally conduct in connection with an offering of securities registered under the Securities Act, including without limitation receipt of customary opinions and comfort letters addressed to such Participating Demand Investor.
Section 5 Expenses.
Except as expressly provided herein, all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the performance of or compliance with this Agreement and/or in connection with any sale, transfers, distributions or other disposition of Registrable Securities by any Holder, including pursuant to a Demand Registration, Piggyback Registration or Shelf Offering, whether or not the same shall become effective, shall be paid by the Company, including, without limitation: (i) all registration and filing fees, and any other fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with the SEC or FINRA, (ii) all fees and expenses in connection with compliance with any securities or “blue sky” laws, (iii) all printing, duplicating, word processing, messenger, telephone, facsimile and delivery expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company or other depositary and of printing prospectuses and Company Free Writing Prospectuses), (iv) all fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and of all independent certified public accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and cold comfort letters required by or incident to such performance), (v) Securities Act liability insurance or similar insurance if the Company so desires or the underwriters so require in accordance with then-customary underwriting practice, (vi) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange on which similar securities of the Company are then listed (or on which exchange the Registrable Securities are proposed to be listed in the case of the initial Public Offering), (vii) all applicable rating agency fees with respect to the Registrable Securities, (viii) all reasonable fees and disbursements of one legal counsel for selling Holders selected by the Majority Participating Investors (which may be the same counsel as selected for the Company) together with any necessary local counsel as may be required, (ix) any fees and disbursements of underwriters customarily paid by issuers or sellers of securities, (x) all fees and expenses of any special experts or other Persons retained by the Company or the Demand Investors in connection with any Registration, (xi) all of the Company’s internal expenses (including all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties) and (xii) all expenses related to the “road-show” for any underwritten offering, including all travel, meals and lodging. All such expenses are referred to herein as “Expenses.” The Company shall not be required to pay, and each Person that sells securities pursuant to a Demand Registration, Shelf Offering or Piggyback Registration hereunder will bear and pay, all underwriting discounts and commissions applicable to the Registrable Securities sold for such Person’s account, all transfer taxes (if any) attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities and the fees and disbursements of counsel for any Holder, except for the fees and disbursements of counsel borne and paid by the Company as provided in Section 5(vii).
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Section 6 Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) By the Company. The Company will indemnify and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law and without limitation as to time, each Holder, such Holder’s officers, directors employees, agents, fiduciaries, stockholders, managers, partners, members, Affiliates, direct and indirect equityholders, consultants and representatives, and any successors and assigns thereof, and each Person who controls such holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) (the “Indemnified Parties”) against all losses, claims, actions, damages, liabilities and expenses (including with respect to actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, and including reasonable attorney fees and expenses) (collectively, “Losses”) caused by, resulting from, arising out of, based upon or related to any of the following (each, a “Violation”) by the Company: (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in (A) any registration statement, prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free-Writing Prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or (B) any application or other document or communication (in this Section 6, collectively called an “application”) executed by or on behalf of the Company or based upon written information furnished by or on behalf of the Company filed in any jurisdiction in order to qualify any securities covered by such registration under the “blue sky” or securities laws thereof, (ii) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (iii) any Violation or alleged Violation by the Company of the Securities Act or any other similar federal or state securities laws or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder applicable to the Company and relating to action or inaction required of the Company in connection with any such registration, qualification or compliance. In addition, the Company will reimburse such Indemnified Party for any legal or any other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating or defending any such Losses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such Losses result from, arise out of, are based upon, or relate to an untrue statement, or omission, made in such registration statement, any such prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free-Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application, in reliance upon, and in conformity with, written information prepared and furnished in writing to the Company by such Indemnified Party expressly for use therein or by such Indemnified Party’s failure to deliver a copy of the registration statement or prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto after the Company has furnished such Indemnified Party with a sufficient number of copies of the same. In connection with an underwritten offering, the Company will indemnify such underwriters, their officers and directors, and each Person who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Indemnified Parties or as otherwise agreed to in the underwriting agreement executed in connection with such underwritten offering. Such indemnity and reimbursement of expenses shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Indemnified Party and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such seller.
(b) By Holders. In connection with any registration statement in which a Holder is participating, each such Holder will furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any such registration statement or prospectus and, to the extent permitted by law, will indemnify the Company, its officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives, and each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any Losses resulting from (as determined by a final and appealable judgment, order or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction) any untrue statement of material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such Holder expressly for use therein; provided that the obligation to indemnify will be individual, not joint and several, for each Holder and will be limited to the net amount of proceeds received by such Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement.
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(c) Claim Procedure. Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder will (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give prompt notice will impair any Person’s right to indemnification hereunder only to the extent such failure has prejudiced the indemnifying party) and (ii) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party. If such defense is assumed, the indemnifying party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim, unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim. In such instance, the conflicted indemnified parties will have a right to retain one separate counsel, chosen by the majority of the conflicted indemnified parties involved in the indemnification and approved by the Majority Participating Investors (excluding any conflicted indemnified parties), at the expense of the indemnifying party.
(d) Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in this Section 6 is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to, or is insufficient to hold harmless, an indemnified party or is otherwise unenforceable with respect to any Loss referred to herein, then such indemnifying party will contribute to the amounts paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Loss, (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of the indemnified party on the other hand in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such Loss as well as any other relevant equitable considerations or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) of this Section 6(d) is not permitted by applicable law, then in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative fault but also the relative benefit of the Company on the one hand and of the sellers of Registrable Securities and any other sellers participating in the registration statement on the other in connection with the statement or omissions which resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided that the maximum amount of liability in respect of such contribution will be limited, in the case of each seller of Registrable Securities, to an amount equal to the net proceeds actually received by such seller from the sale of Registrable Securities effected pursuant to such registration. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and of the indemnified party will be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue (or, as applicable alleged) untrue statement of a material fact or the omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the indemnifying party or by the indemnified party and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just or equitable if the contribution pursuant to this Section 6(d) were to be determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account such equitable considerations. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the Losses referred to herein will be deemed to include any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or defending against any action or claim which is the subject hereof. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) will be entitled to contribution from any Person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
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(e) Release. No indemnifying party will, except with the consent of the indemnified party, consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement that does not include as an unconditional term thereof giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnified party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.
(f) Non-exclusive Remedy; Survival. The indemnification and contribution provided for under this Agreement will be in addition to any other rights to indemnification or contribution that any indemnified party may have pursuant to law or contract (and the Company and its Subsidiaries shall be considered the indemnitors of first resort in all such circumstances to which this Section 6 applies) and will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director or controlling Person of such indemnified party and will survive the transfer of Registrable Securities and the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
Section 7 Cooperation with Underwritten Offerings. No Person may participate in any underwritten registration hereunder unless such Person (i) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Person or Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements (including, without limitation, pursuant to the terms of any over-allotment or “green shoe” option requested by the underwriters; provided that no Holder will be required to sell more than the number of Registrable Securities such Holder has requested to include in such registration) and (ii) completes, executes and delivers all questionnaires, powers of attorney, stock powers, custody agreements, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents and agreements required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements or as may be reasonably requested by the Company and the lead managing underwriter(s); provided, however, that no Holder (or any of their assignees) shall be required to make any representations, warranties or indemnities except as they relate to such Holder’s ownership of shares and authority to enter into the underwriting agreement and to such Holder’s intended method of distribution, and the liability of such Holder shall be several and not joint and limited to an amount equal to the net proceeds from the offering received by such Holder. To the extent that any such agreement is entered into pursuant to, and consistent with, Section 3, Section 4 and/or this Section 7, the respective rights and obligations created under such agreement will supersede the respective rights and obligations of the Holders, the Company and the underwriters created thereby with respect to such registration.
Section 8 Subsidiary Public Offering.
(a) Subsidiary Public Offering. If any Subsidiary of the Company shall engage in a Public Offering or listing of its securities and the Company distributes the securities of such Subsidiary to its equityholders, then the rights and obligations of the Company pursuant to this Agreement will apply, mutatis mutandis, to such Subsidiary, and the Company will cause such Subsidiary to comply with such Subsidiary’s obligations under this Agreement as if it were the Company hereunder.
Section 9 Joinder. The Company may from time to time (with the prior written consent of the Holders of a majority of Registrable Securities outstanding) permit any Person who acquires Common Equity (or rights to acquire Common Equity) to become a party to this Agreement and to be entitled to and be bound by all of the rights and obligations as a Holder by obtaining an executed joinder to this Agreement from such Person in the form of Exhibit B attached hereto (a “Joinder”).
Section 10 General Provisions.
(a) Amendments and Waivers. Except as otherwise provided herein, the provisions of this Agreement may be amended, modified or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company and the Holders of a majority of Registrable Securities outstanding; provided that no such amendment, modification or waiver that would treat a specific Holder or group of Holders of Registrable Securities (i.e., Sponsor Investors, Astera or Other Investors) in a manner materially and adversely different than any other Holder or group of Holders will be effective against such Holder or group of Holders without the consent of the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities that are held by the group of Holders that is materially and adversely affected thereby.
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The failure or delay of any Person to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement will in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and will not affect the right of such Person thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms. A waiver or consent to or of any breach or default by any Person in the performance by that Person of his, her or its obligations under this Agreement will not be deemed to be a consent or waiver to or of any other breach or default in the performance by that Person of the same or any other obligations of that Person under this Agreement.
(b) Remedies. The parties to this Agreement will be entitled to enforce their rights under this Agreement specifically (without posting a bond or other security), to recover damages caused by reason of any breach of any provision of this Agreement and to exercise all other rights existing in their favor. The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that a breach of this Agreement would cause irreparable harm and money damages would not be an adequate remedy for any such breach and that, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing hereunder, any party will be entitled to specific performance and/or other injunctive relief from any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction (without posting any bond or other security) in order to enforce or prevent violation of the provisions of this Agreement.
(c) Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited, invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or regulation in any jurisdiction, such prohibition, invalidity, illegality or unenforceability will not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or in any other jurisdiction, but this Agreement will be reformed, construed and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such prohibited, invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
(d) Entire Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement contains the complete agreement and understanding among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or among the parties hereto, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way (including, without limitation, the Investors’ Rights Agreement).
(e) Successors and Assigns. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement will bind and inure to the benefit and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and permitted assigns. Any Holder may assign its rights hereunder to its Affiliates in connection with the transfer of Registrable Securities; provided, that such purchaser or transferee shall, as a condition to the effectiveness of such assignment, be required to cause such prospective transferee to execute and deliver to the Company a Joinder.
(f) Notices. Any notice, demand or other communication to be given under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been given (i) when delivered personally to the recipient, (ii) when sent by confirmed electronic mail if sent during normal business hours of the recipient; but if not, then on the next Business Day, (iii) one Business Day after it is sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) or (iv) three Business Days after it is mailed to the recipient by first class mail, return receipt requested. Such notices, demands and other communications will be sent to the Company at the address specified on the signature page hereto or any Joinder and to any holder, or at such address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Any party may change such party’s address for receipt of notice by giving prior written notice of the change to the sending party as provided herein. The Company’s address is:
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Firefly Aerospace, Inc.
1320 Arrow Point Drive #109
Cedar Park, TX 778613
Attention: David Wheeler, General Counsel
Email: [***]
With a copy to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
333 West Wolf Point Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654
Attention: Robert Hayward, Kevin M. Frank, Ashley Sinclair
Email: [***]
or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.
(g) Business Days. If any time period for giving notice or taking action hereunder expires on a day that is not a Business Day, the time period will automatically be extended to the Business Day immediately following such Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
(h) Governing Law. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforcement of this Agreement and the exhibits and schedules hereto will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.
(i) MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. AS A SPECIFICALLY BARGAINED FOR INDUCEMENT FOR EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT (AFTER HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL), EACH PARTY HERETO EXPRESSLY WAIVES THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO OR ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR THE MATTERS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
(j) CONSENT TO JURISDICTION AND SERVICE OF PROCESS. EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE, FOR THE PURPOSES OF ANY SUIT, ACTION OR OTHER PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RELATED AGREEMENT OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO FURTHER AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ANY PROCESS, SUMMONS, NOTICE OR DOCUMENT BY U.S. REGISTERED MAIL TO SUCH PARTY’S RESPECTIVE ADDRESS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL BE EFFECTIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS FOR ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTERS TO WHICH IT HAS SUBMITTED TO JURISDICTION IN THIS PARAGRAPH. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OF ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY RELATED DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND THEREBY IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE, AND HEREBY AND THEREBY FURTHER IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES AND AGREES NOT TO PLEAD OR CLAIM IN ANY SUCH COURT THAT ANY SUCH ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT IN ANY SUCH COURT HAS BEEN BROUGHT IN AN INCONVENIENT FORUM.
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(k) No Recourse. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Company and each Holder agrees and acknowledges that no recourse under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement, will be had against any current or future director, officer, employee, general or limited partner or member of any Holder or any Affiliate or assignee thereof, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any statute, regulation or other applicable law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever will attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any current or future officer, agent or employee of any Holder or any current or future member of any Holder or any current or future director, officer, employee, partner or member of any Holder or of any Affiliate or assignee thereof, as such for any obligation of any Holder under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection with this Agreement for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations or their creation.
(l) Descriptive Headings; Interpretation. The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement. The use of the word “including” in this Agreement will be by way of example rather than by limitation.
(m) No Strict Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any party.
(n) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, any one of which need not contain the signature of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together will constitute one and the same agreement.
(o) Electronic Delivery. This Agreement, the agreements referred to herein, and each other agreement or instrument entered into in connection herewith or therewith or contemplated hereby or thereby, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent executed and delivered by means of a photographic, photostatic, facsimile or similar reproduction of such signed writing using a facsimile machine or electronic mail will be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and will be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person. At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto will re-execute original forms thereof and deliver them to all other parties. No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument will raise the use of a facsimile machine or electronic mail to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a facsimile machine or electronic mail as a defense to the formation or enforceability of a contract and each such party forever waives any such defense.
(p) Further Assurances. In connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, each Holder agrees to execute and deliver any additional documents and instruments and perform any additional acts that may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate and perform the provisions of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
(q) Dividends, Recapitalizations, Etc. If at any time or from time to time there is any change in the capital structure of the Company by way of a stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification, or through a merger, consolidation, reorganization or recapitalization, or by any other means, appropriate adjustment will be made in the provisions hereof so that the rights and privileges granted hereby will continue.
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(r) No Third-Party Beneficiaries. No term or provision of this Agreement is intended to be, or shall be, for the benefit of any Person not a party hereto, and no such other Person shall have any right or cause of action hereunder, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.
(s) Current Public Information. At all times after the Company has filed a registration statement with the SEC pursuant to the requirements of either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, the Company will file all reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and will take such further action as the Demand Investors may reasonably request, all to the extent required to enable Holders to sell Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 144.
* * * * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Registration Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
| FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jason Kim | |
| Name: | Jason Kim | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| SPONSOR INVESTORS: | ||
| Glow NS Holdings, LLC | ||
| Glow B Holdings, LLC | ||
| Glow C Holdings, LLC | ||
| Glow D Holdings, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Kirk Konert | |
| Name: | Kirk Konert | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
| AE Co-Investment Partners Fund III-F, LP | ||
| By: AE Industrial Partners Fund III GP, LP | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: AeroEquity GP, LLC | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: | /s/ Michael Greene | |
| Name: | Michael Greene | |
| Title: | Authorized Person | |
| AE Industrial Partners Structured Solutions I, LP. | ||
| By: | /s/ Michael Greene | |
| Name: | Michael Greene | |
| Title: | Authorized Person | |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
| Ares Technology I LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Ryan Boland | |
| Name: | Ryan Boland | |
| Title: | Managing Partner | |
| Lunar Technology LLC | ||
| By: Tinello Partners LLC, its Manager | ||
| By: | /s/ Ryan Boland | |
| Name: | Ryan Boland | |
| Title: | Managing Partner | |
| Mars Technology Holdings LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Ryan Boland | |
| Name: | Ryan Boland | |
| Title: | Managing Partner | |
| RPM Ventures IV, L.P. for itself as nominee for RPM Ventures IV-A, L.P. |
||
| By: RPM Ventures IV (GP), L.L.C. | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: | /s/ Marc Weiser | |
| Name: | Marc Weiser | |
| Title: | Managing Member | |
| BGW Ventures IV, LP | ||
| By: BGW Ventures IV (GP), L.L.C. | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: | /s/ Marc Weiser | |
| Name: | Marc Weiser | |
| Title: | Managing Member | |
| By: | /s/ Thomas Markusic | |
| Name: | Thomas Markusic | |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
| Astera Institute | ||
| By: | /s/ Jed McCaleb | |
| Name: | Jed McCaleb | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings set forth below.
“Affiliate” of any Person means any other Person controlled by, controlling or under common control with such Person and, in the case of an individual, also includes any member of such individual’s Family Group; provided that the Company and its Subsidiaries will not be deemed to be Affiliates of any holder of Registrable Securities. As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) will mean possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities, by contract or otherwise).
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Automatic Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a).
“Business Day” means a day that is not a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banks in New York City are authorized or requested by law to close.
“Charitable Gifting Event” means any transfer by an Sponsor Investor, or any subsequent transfer by such holder’s members, partners or other employees, in connection with a bona fide gift to any Charitable Organization on the date of, but prior to, the execution of the underwriting agreement entered into in connection with any underwritten offering.
“Charitable Organization” means a charitable organization as described by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect from time to time.
“Common Equity” means the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. In the event of a Corporate Conversion, Common Equity will thereafter mean the common stock issued upon conversion or in exchange for the Company’s Common Equity.
“Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall include its successor(s).
“Demand Investor” means any Holder entitled to request Demand Registrations pursuant to Section 1(a).
“Demand Registrations” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a).
“End of Suspension Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(f)(ii).
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, or any successor federal law then in force, together with all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Excluded Registration” means any registration (i) pursuant to a Demand Registration (which is addressed in Section 1(a)), or (ii) in connection with registrations on Form S-4 or S-8 promulgated by the SEC or any successor or similar forms).
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“Family Group” means with respect to any individual, such individual’s current or former spouse, their respective parents, descendants of such parents (whether natural or adopted) and the spouses of such descendants, any trust, limited partnership, corporation or limited liability company established solely for the benefit of such individual or such individual’s current or former spouse, their respective parents, descendants of such parents (whether natural or adopted) or the spouses of such descendants.
“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
“Free Writing Prospectus” means a free-writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 405.
“Holdback Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“Holder” means a holder of Registrable Securities who is a party to this Agreement (including by way of Joinder).
“Indemnified Parties” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
“Joinder” has the meaning set forth in Section 9(a).
“Long-Form Registrations” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a).
“Losses” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).
“Majority Participating Investors” means, with respect to any registration or offering effected hereunder, Holders of Registrable Securities representing at least a majority of all Registrable Securities held by Holders who have elected to participate in such registration or offering.
“Other Investors” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Participating Demand Investors” means, with respect to any registration or offering effected hereunder, any Demand Investor who is participating in such registration or offering (regardless of whether such Demand Investor shall have exercised any demand rights in connection therewith).
“Person” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Piggyback Registrations” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Public Offering” means any sale or distribution by the Company, one of its Subsidiaries and/or Holders to the public of Common Equity or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Common Equity pursuant to an offering registered under the Securities Act.
“Qualified Independent Underwriter” has the meaning set forth by FINRA in Section 5121(f)(12), or any successor provision thereto.
“Registrable Securities” means (i) any Common Equity held (directly or indirectly) by any Holder or any of its Affiliates, and (ii) any equity securities of the Company or any Subsidiary issued or issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clause (i) above by way of dividend, distribution, split or combination of securities, or any recapitalization, merger, consolidation or other reorganization. As to any particular Registrable Securities, such securities will cease to be Registrable Securities when they have been (a) sold or distributed pursuant to a Public Offering, (b) sold in compliance with Rule 144 following the consummation of the initial Public Offering, (c) distributed to the direct or indirect partners or members of a Sponsor Investor or (d) repurchased by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company.
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For purposes of this Agreement, a Person will be deemed to be a holder of Registrable Securities, and the Registrable Securities will be deemed to be in existence, whenever such Person has the right to acquire, directly or indirectly, such Registrable Securities (upon conversion or exercise in connection with a transfer of securities or otherwise, but disregarding any restrictions or limitations upon the exercise of such right), whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected, and such Person will be entitled to exercise the rights of a holder of Registrable Securities hereunder (it being understood that a holder of Registrable Securities may only request that Registrable Securities in the form of Common Equity be registered pursuant to this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, following the consummation of an initial Public Offering, any Registrable Securities held by any Person (other than any Demand Investor or its Affiliates) that may be sold under Rule 144(b)(1)(i) without limitation under any of the other requirements of Rule 144 will be deemed not to be Registrable Securities.
“Rule 144”, “Rule 158”, “Rule 405”, “Rule 415”, “Rule 403B” and “Rule 462” mean, in each case, such rule promulgated under the Securities Act (or any successor provision) by the SEC, as the same will be amended from time to time, or any successor rule then in force.
“Sale of the Company” means any transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which any Person(s) or a group of related Persons (other than any Sponsor Investor and/or its Affiliates) in the aggregate acquires: (i) Common Equity of the Company entitled to vote (other than voting rights accruing only in the event of a default, breach, event of noncompliance or other contingency) to elect directors with a majority of the voting power of the Company’s board of directors (whether by merger, consolidation, reorganization, combination, sale or transfer of the Company’s Common Equity) or (ii) all or substantially all of the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ assets determined on a consolidated basis; provided that a Public Offering will not constitute a Sale of the Company.
“Sale Transaction” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, or any successor federal law then in force, together with all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Shelf Offering” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(d)(i).
“Shelf Offering Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(d)(i).
“Shelf Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a).
“Shelf Registrable Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(d)(i).
“Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(d).
“Short-Form Registrations” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(a).
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“Sponsor Investors” has the meaning set forth in the recitals; provided that any decision to be made under this Agreement by the Sponsor Investors shall be made by the Holders of a majority of all Registrable Securities held by Sponsor Investors “Subsidiary” means, with respect to the Company, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of the Company or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the limited liability company, partnership or other similar ownership interest thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or one or more Subsidiaries of the Company or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons will be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons will be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or will be or control the managing director or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.
“Suspension Event” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(f)(ii).
“Suspension Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(f)(ii).
“Suspension Period” has the meaning set forth in Section 1(f)(i).
“Violation” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a).
“WKSI” means a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined under Rule 405.
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EXHIBIT B
The undersigned is executing and delivering this Joinder pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of __________________, 2025 (as amended, modified and waived from time to time, the “Registration Agreement”), among Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the other persons named as parties therein (including pursuant to other Joinders). Capitalized terms used herein have the meaning set forth in the Registration Agreement.
By executing and delivering this Joinder to the Company, the undersigned hereby agrees to become a party to, to be bound by, and to comply with the provisions of, the Registration Agreement as a Holder in the same manner as if the undersigned were an original signatory to the Registration Agreement, and the undersigned will be deemed for all purposes to be a Holder, an [Sponsor Investor /Other Investor thereunder] and the undersigned’s ____ shares of Common Equity will be deemed for all purposes to be a [Sponsor Investor // Other Investor] Registrable Securities under the Registration Agreement.
Accordingly, the undersigned has executed and delivered this Joinder as of the ___ day of ____________, 20___.
| Signature | ||
| Print Name Address: | ||
| Agreed and Accepted as of ________________, 20___: |
| FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC. |
| By: |
| Its: |
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Exhibit 10.3
DIRECTOR NOMINATION AGREEMENT
THIS DIRECTOR NOMINATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of August 6, 2025, by and among Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), each of the AE Industrial Holders (collectively, “AE Industrial”) and each of the stockholders identified as a “Co-Investor” on the signature pages hereto (each, a “Co-Investor” and collectively with AE Industrial, the “Investor Group”). Each member of the Investor Group is referred to herein as an “Investor”. This Agreement shall become effective (the “Effective Date”) upon the closing of the Company’s initial public offering (the “IPO”) of shares of its Common Stock (as defined below).
WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, the Investor Group Beneficially Owns a majority of the equity interests in the Company;
WHEREAS, the Investor Group is contemplating causing the Company to effect an IPO;
WHEREAS, the members of the Investor Group desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth their agreements and understandings with respect the voting of shares of the Common Stock held by them following the Effective Time as set forth below;
WHEREAS, in consideration of the foregoing, the Company has agreed to permit the Investor Group to designate persons for nomination for election to the board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) and the Investors have agreed to vote their voting equity interests for the election of such persons following the Effective Date on the terms and conditions set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, each of the parties to this Agreement agrees as follows:
1. Board Nomination Rights.
(a) From the Effective Date, the Investor Group shall have the right, but not the obligation, to nominate to the Board a number of designees equal to at least: (i) 55% of the Total Number of Directors (as defined below), so long as the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing at least 40% of its Original Amount (as defined below); (ii) 40% of the Total Number of Directors, in the event that the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing at least 30% but less than 40% of its Original Amount; (iii) 30% of the Total Number of Directors, in the event that the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing at least 20% but less than 30% of its Original Amount; (iv) 20% of the Total Number of Directors, in the event that the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing at least 10% but less than 20% of its Original Amount; and (v) one Director, in the event that the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing at least 5% of its Original Amount (such persons, the “Nominees”). For purposes of calculating the Total Number of Directors that the Investor Group is entitled to designate pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, any fractional amounts shall automatically be rounded up to the nearest whole number (e.g., 11⁄4 Directors shall equate to 2 Directors) and any such calculations shall be made after taking into account any increase in the Total Number of Directors.
(b) In the event that the Investor Group has designated less than the total number of designees the Investor Group shall be entitled to designate pursuant to Section 1(a), the Investor Group shall have the right, at any time, to designate such additional designees to which it is entitled, in which case, the Company shall take, and the Company hereby covenants that the Directors shall take, all necessary corporation action to (i) enable the Investor Group to designate and effect the election or appointment of such additional individuals, whether by increasing the size of the Board, or otherwise and (ii) appoint such additional individuals designated by the Investor Group to fill such newly created directorships or to fill any other existing vacancies in accordance with Section 1(e) of this Agreement.
(c) If the size of the Board is expanded, the Investor Group shall be entitled to designate a number of Nominees to fill the newly created directorships such that the total number of Nominees serving on the Board following such expansion will be equal to that number of Nominees that the Investor Group would be entitled to designate in accordance with Section 1(a) if such expansion occurred immediately prior to any meeting of the stockholders of the Company called with respect to the election of members of the Board. The Company shall take, and the Company hereby covenants that the Directors shall take, all necessary corporation action to (i) enable the Investor Group to designate and effect the election or appointment of additional designees in accordance with the preceding sentence and (ii) appoint such additional designees in accordance with Section 1(e) of this Agreement.
(d) In the event that any Nominee shall cease to serve as a Director for any reason, the Investor Group shall be entitled to designate such person’s successor in accordance with this Agreement (regardless of the number of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the Investor Group at the time of such vacancy). The Company shall take, and the Company hereby covenants that the Directors shall take, all necessary corporation action to (i) enable the Investor Group to designate and effect the election or appointment of successor designees in accordance with the preceding sentence and (ii) appoint such successor designees in accordance with Section 1(e) of this Agreement. It is understood that any such designee shall serve the remainder of the term of the Director whom such designee replaces.
(e) In each case where the Company has covenanted that the Directors shall take action to appoint a Nominee as a Director pursuant to any of Sections 1(a) through 1(d) of this Agreement:
(i) The Directors shall appoint such Nominee unless the Board determines, in good faith, that appointing such Nominee would cause the Directors to breach their fiduciary duties to the Company or its stockholders, in which case the Company shall provide the Investor Group with a notice explaining in reasonable detail the basis for the Board’s determination, and the Investor Group shall have the right to designate an alternative Nominee in accordance with Sections 1(a) through Section 1(d) of this Agreement; and
(ii) The Company hereby covenants that the Directors shall not fill any vacant or newly created directorship for which the Investor Group is entitled to designate a Nominee other than in accordance with Sections 1(a) through Section 1(d) of this Agreement.
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Without limiting the remedies available against the Company for breach of its covenants set forth in this Agreement, during any time that the Directors have failed to appoint a Nominee as a Director (including without limitation for the reasons set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii)), or if the Directors have appointed a person as a Director in lieu of a Nominee that the Investor Group has designated in accordance with this Agreement:
(x) the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Investor Group, consummate (and, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law shall not enter into) any transaction that would constitute a “Business Combination” under any of clauses (i) through (iii) of Section 4(c) of Article Nine of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, except for purposes of applying this sentence the term “Interested Stockholder” shall mean any person or entity, whether or not a record or beneficial owner of stock of the Company, other than AE Industrial and any other member of the Investor Group acting in concert with AE Industrial; and
(y) the Company shall, promptly following a written request from the Investor Group, (i) call a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of appointing a nominee to fill the vacant or newly created directorship that has resulted in the Investor Group’s right to designate a Nominee pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) shall prepare a proxy statement and proxy card in connection with such special meeting, and shall include each Nominee in such proxy statement (together with a supporting statement provided by the Investor Group), including in the notice of meeting transmitted therewith, and proxy card as a nominee for Director; and (iii) reimburse the Investor Group for any expenses it reasonably incurs in connection with preparing its own proxy statement and proxy card and soliciting proxies or votes to appoint one or more Nominees as Directors in connection with such meeting.
(f) In addition to the nomination rights set forth in Section 1(a) above, or so long as the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing at least 5% of its Original Amount, the Investor Group shall have the right, but not the obligation, to designate a person (a “Non-Voting Observer”) to attend meetings of the Board (including any meetings of any committees thereof) in a non-voting observer capacity. Any such Non-Voting Observer shall be permitted to attend all meetings of the Board. the Investor Group shall have the right to remove and replace its Non-Voting Observer at any time and from time to time. The Company shall furnish to any Non-Voting Observer (i) notices of Board meetings no later than, and using the same form of communication as, notice of Board meetings are furnished to directors and (ii) copies of any materials prepared for meetings of the Board that are furnished to the directors no later than the time such materials are furnished to the directors; provided that failure to deliver notice, or materials, to such Non-Voting Observer in connection with such Non-Voting Observer’s right to attend and/or review materials with respect to, any meeting of the Board shall not, by itself, impair the validity of any action taken by such Board at such meeting. Such Non-Voting Observer shall be required to execute or otherwise become subject to any codes of conduct or confidentiality agreements of the Company generally applicable to directors of the Company or as the Company reasonably requests.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company reserves the right to withhold any information and to exclude the Non-Voting Observer from receiving any materials and/or attending any meeting or portion thereof if access to such information or attendance at such meeting could adversely affect the attorney-client privilege between the Company and its counsel.
(g) The Company shall pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Nominees and the Non-Voting Observer in connection with the performance of his or her duties as a director or his or her service as a Non-Voting Observer and in connection with his or her attendance at any meeting of the Board or any committee thereof.
(h) For the purposes of exercising its rights hereunder, the Investor Group shall designate a single entity or person to act on its behalf (the “Investor Group Representative”). The Investor Group Representative shall initially be AE Industrial Partners, LP, which designee may be changed upon written notice executed by the holders of at least a majority of the Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the Investor Group at such time. No member of the Investor Group shall be permitted to exercise any rights of the Investor Group hereunder except through the action of the duly designated Investor Group Representative and the Company may treat the Investor Group Representative as the sole representative of the Investor Group for the purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rights and obligations of each Investor set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement shall be individual to such Investor (or its Permitted Transferees) and shall be enforceable against such Investor by the other parties hereto in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(i) No reduction in the number of shares of Common Stock that the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shall shorten the term of any incumbent director. At the Effective Date, the Board shall be comprised of nine members and the initial Nominees shall be Kirk Konert, Chris Emerson, Kevin McAllister, Pamela Braden and Jon Lusczakoski.
(j) So long as the Investor Group has the right to nominate Nominees under Sections 1(a) through 1(d), or any such Nominee is serving on the Board, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to maintain in effect at all times directors and officers indemnity insurance coverage reasonably satisfactory to the Investor Group, and the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and/or Amended and Restated Bylaws (each as may be further amended, supplemented or waived in accordance with its terms) shall at all times provide for indemnification, exculpation and advancement of expenses to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law.
(k) At any time the Company is not a “controlled company” and is required by applicable law or Nasdaq (the “Exchange”) listing standards to have a majority of the Board comprised of “independent directors” (subject, in each case, to any applicable phase-in periods), the Nominees shall include a number of persons that qualify as “independent directors” under applicable law and the Exchange listing standards such that, together with any other “independent directors” then serving on the Board that are not Nominees, the Board is comprised of a majority of “independent directors.”
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(l) At any time that the Investor Group shall have any designation rights under Section 1, the Company shall not take any action and the Company hereby covenants that the Directors shall not take any action, (including in each case effecting any amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws), that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Investor Group’s rights under this Agreement, in each case without the prior written consent of the Investor Group.
2. Definitions.
(a) “AE Industrial Holders” means Glow NS Holdings, LLC, Glow B Holdings, LLC, Glow C Holdings, LLC, Glow D Holdings, LLC, AE Co-Investment Partners Fund III-F, LP, the Investor Group Partners Structured Solutions I, LP. and each of their respective Permitted Transferees.
(b) “Affiliate” of any person shall mean any other person controlled by, controlling or under common control with such person; where “control” (including, with its correlative meanings, “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities, by contract or otherwise).
(c) “Beneficially Own” shall mean that a specified person has or shares the right, directly or indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, to vote shares of capital stock of the Company; provided, however, that with respect to the Co-Investors, this shall apply solely to Common Stock held directly by such Co-Investor as of the date of this Agreement (or any Common Stock received in connection with a stock dividend, stock split, combination, or other similar recapitalization with respect to such shares) (“Original Shares”), and any Common Stock acquired by such Co-Investor after the date of this Agreement or held by an Affiliate of a Co-Investor shall not be deemed to be “Beneficially Owned” by such Co-Investor for any purpose under this Agreement, other than Original Shares transferred to an Affiliate by such Co-Investor after the date hereof.
(d) “Common Stock” means shares of Common Stock of the Company, $0.0001 par value per share or capital stock convertible thereto.
(e) “Director” means any member of the Board.
(f) “Original Amount” means the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned, directly or indirectly, by the Investor Group immediately following the completion of the IPO, as such number may be adjusted from time to time for any reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or other similar changes in the Company’s capitalization.
(g) “Permitted Transferee” means, with respect to any person, (i) any Affiliate of such Person, (ii) if such person is a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or trust, the stockholders, partners, members, equityholders or beneficiaries of such Person, and (iii) any investment fund, the sole owner of which is or, if not the sole owner, the primary investment manager of which is such Person or one or more of its Affiliates.
(h) “Total Number of Directors” means the total number of Directors comprising the Board.
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3. Company Obligations.
(a) The Company agrees to use all necessary corporation action to ensure that prior to the date that the Investor Group and its Affiliates cease to Beneficially Own shares of Common Stock representing at least 5% of its Original Amount, (i) each Nominee is included in the Company’s slate of nominees to the stockholders (the “Company’s Slate”) for each election of directors unless the Board determines, in good faith, that the inclusion of a Nominee in the Company’s Slate would not be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders (other than the Investor Group), in which case, the Investor Group shall have the right to designate an alternate Nominee for inclusion in the Company’s Slate; and (ii) whether or not a Nominee is included in the Company’s Slate, each Nominee shall be included in the proxy statement (together with a supporting statement provided by the Investor Group) prepared by management of the Company in connection with soliciting proxies for every meeting of the stockholders of the Company called with respect to the election of members of the Board (each, a “Director Election Proxy Statement”), and at every adjournment or postponement thereof, and on every action or approval by written consent of the stockholders of the Company or the Board with respect to the election of members of the Board. The Investor Group will promptly provide reporting to the Company after the Investor Group ceases to Beneficially Own shares of Common Stock representing at least 5% of its Original Amount such that the Company is informed of when this obligation terminates. The calculation of the number of Nominees that the Investor Group is entitled to nominate to the Company’s Slate for any election of directors shall be based on the percentage of the Original Amount then Beneficially Owned by the Investor Group immediately prior to the mailing to shareholders of the Director Election Proxy Statement relating to such election (or, if earlier, the filing of the definitive Director Election Proxy Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”)). Unless the Investor Group notifies the Company otherwise prior to the mailing to shareholders of the Director Election Proxy Statement relating to an election of directors, the Nominees for such election shall be presumed to be the same Nominees currently serving on the Board, and no further action shall be required of the Investor Group for the Company to include such Nominees in the Director Election Proxy Statement; provided, that, in the event the Investor Group is no longer entitled to nominate the full number of Nominees then serving on the Board, the Investor Group shall provide advance written notice to the Company stating which currently serving the Investor Group Nominee(s) shall be excluded from the Company’s Slate and of any other changes to the list of Nominees.
(b) If the Investor Group fails to provide such notice prior to the mailing to shareholders of the Director Election Proxy Statement relating to such election (or, if earlier, the filing of the definitive Director Election Proxy Statement with the Commission), a majority of the independent directors then serving on the Board shall determine which of the Nominees then serving on the Board will be included in the Company’s Slate as contemplated by clause (i) of Section 3(a). Furthermore, the Company agrees for so long as the Company qualifies as a “controlled company” under the rules of the Exchange, the Company will elect to be a “controlled company” for purposes of the Exchange and will disclose in its annual meeting proxy statement that it is a “controlled company” and the basis for that determination. The Company, the Investor Group and the Investors acknowledge and agree that, as of the Effective Date, the Company is a “controlled company.” The Company agrees to provide written notice of the preparation of a Director Election Proxy Statement to the Investor Group and the Investors at least 20 business days, but no more than 40 business days, prior to the earlier of the mailing and the filing date of any Director Election Proxy Statement.
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4. Committees. From and after the Effective Date hereof until such time as the Investor Group and its Affiliates cease to Beneficially Own shares of Common Stock representing at least 5% of the Original Amount, the Company hereby covenants that the Board shall not form or designate any committee of the Board unless the Investor Group has consented to such formation or designation. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the consent of the Investor Group shall not be required if:
(a) the Investor Group has been provided the opportunity to designate a number of members of each committee of the Board equal to the nearest whole number greater than the product obtained by multiplying: (i) the percentage of the Original Amount of the Investor Group then Beneficially Owned by The Investor Group and (ii) the number of positions, including any vacancies, on the applicable committee; or
(b) none of the Directors designated by the Investor Group pursuant to this Agreement are eligible to serve on the applicable committee under applicable law or listing standards of the Exchange, including any applicable independence requirements (subject in each case to any applicable exceptions, including those for newly public companies and for “controlled companies,” and any applicable phase-in periods).
The Company hereby covenants that the Nominees designated to serve on a Board committee shall have the right to remain on such committee until the next election of Directors, regardless of the percentage of the Original Amount of the Investor Group Beneficially Owned by the Investor Group following such designation. Unless the Investor Group notifies the Company otherwise prior to the time the Board takes action to change the composition of a Board committee, and to the extent the Investor Group has the requisite percentage of the Original Amount of the Investor Group to designate a Board committee member at the time the Board takes action to change the composition of any such Board committee, any Nominee currently designated by the Investor Group to serve on a committee shall be presumed to be re-designated for such committee. Without limiting the remedies available to the Investor Group, the Company shall not consummate any act or transaction approved or recommended by a committee of the Board formed or designated in a manner inconsistent with this Section 4 without the prior written consent of the Investor Group.
5. Co-Investor Obligations. Each Co-Investor agrees, at any time it is then entitled to vote for the election of Directors to the Board, to take all necessary action, including casting all votes to which such Co-Investor is entitled in respect of its Original Shares, whether at any annual or special meeting, by written consent, proxy or otherwise, so as to ensure that the composition of the Board complies with (and includes all of the requisite nominees in accordance with) Section 1 and to otherwise effect the intent of Section 1. Each Co-Investor then entitled to vote for the election of any successor as a Director agrees to take all necessary action, including casting all votes to which such Co-Investor is entitled in respect of its Original Shares, whether at any annual or special meeting, by written consent, proxy or otherwise, so as to ensure that any such successor determined in accordance with Section 1 is elected to the Board as promptly as practicable. Each Co-Investor agrees that if, at any time, it is then entitled to vote for the removal of Directors, it will not vote any of its Shares in favor of the removal of any Nominee, unless the Investor Group shall have consented to such removal in writing. Each Co-Investor agrees not to grant, or enter into a binding agreement with respect to, any proxy to any Person in respect of its Original Shares that would prohibit such Co-Investor from casting votes in respect of such shares of Original Shares in accordance with this Section 5.
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6. Amendment and Waiver. Any provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed by the Company and the Investor Group Representative. Any provision of this Agreement that significantly impacts the rights of the Co-Investors may only be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed, in the case of an amendment, by the Company, the Investor Group and the Co-Investors, or in the case of a waiver, by the party against whom the waiver is to be effective. No failure or delay by any party in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law. the Investor Group shall not be obligated to nominate all (or any) of the Nominees it is entitled to nominate pursuant to this Agreement for any election of directors but the failure to do so shall not constitute a waiver of its rights hereunder with respect to future elections; provided, however, that in the event the Investor Group fails to nominate all (or any) of the Nominees it is entitled to nominate pursuant to this Agreement prior to the mailing to shareholders of the Director Election Proxy Statement relating to such election (or, if earlier, the filing of the definitive Director Election Proxy Statement with the Commission), the Compensation and Nominating Committee of the Board shall be entitled to nominate individuals in lieu of such Nominees for inclusion in the Company’s Slate and the applicable Director Election Proxy Statement with respect to the election for which such failure occurred and the Investor Group shall be deemed to have waived its rights hereunder with respect to such election. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by law.
7. Benefit of Parties. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may not assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Investor Group. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 8, nothing herein contained shall confer or is intended to confer on any third party or entity that is not a party to this Agreement any rights under this Agreement.
8. Assignment. Upon written notice to the Company, any member of the Investor Group may assign to any Affiliate (other than a portfolio company) all of its rights hereunder and, following such assignment, such assignee shall be deemed to be a member of the Investor Group for all purposes hereunder. Upon written notice to the Company, any Co-Investor may assign to any Affiliate of such Co-Investor all of its rights hereunder and, following such assignment, such assignee shall be deemed to be an “Co-Investor” for all purposes hereunder.
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9. No Transfer Restrictions and Release.
(a) No provision of this Agreement shall restrict the ability of any Co-Investor or its Affiliates to transfer, sell, assign, or otherwise dispose of any Common Stock. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Company nor any other party to this Agreement shall impose, and the Co- Investors and their Affiliates shall not be subject to, any additional lock-up, transfer restriction, or similar limitation with respect to Common Stock held by such Co-Investor or its Affiliates, except as may be required under any separate agreement or by applicable law or regulation. The Company acknowledges and agrees that no Co-Investor shall be deemed an Affiliate (within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of the Company solely by virtue of entering into this Agreement or the performance of its obligations hereunder.
(b) In any lock-up agreement or similar agreement requested by the Company in connection with any transaction, any discretionary waiver or termination of the restrictions of any or all of such agreements by the Company or the underwriters shall apply pro rata to all Company stockholders that are subject to such agreements, based on the number of shares subject to such agreements.
(c) Upon any Co-Investor ceasing to hold any Original Shares, such Co-Investor shall be automatically and irrevocably released from all obligations, covenants, and restrictions under this Agreement. The Company and the other Investors shall promptly provide any documentation reasonably requested by the released Co-Investor to evidence such release. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Sections 11 through 24 shall survive the release and continue to benefit such Co-Investor under this Agreement.
10. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate with respect to the Co-Investors on the date upon which the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing less than 50% of the shares of Common Stock of the Company then-outstanding. This Agreement shall terminate with respect to the AE Industrial Holders on the date upon which the Investor Group Beneficially Owns shares of Common Stock representing less than 5% of its Original Amount. AE Industrial may also irrevocably release any Co-Investor from its obligations under this Agreement at any time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Sections 11 through 24 shall survive the termination of this Agreement. No termination of this Agreement shall relieve any party from liability for any breach of this Agreement prior to such termination.
11. Expenses. The Company shall reimburse each Co-Investor for its reasonable and documented out of pocket fees and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, in connection with the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Company shall remit such reimbursement to each Co-Investor, payable within five (5) business days of receiving documentation therefor. AE Industrial shall reimburse each Co-Investor for any reasonable and documented out of pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which the Co-Investor becomes obligated to file by virtue of its rights and obligations under this Agreement. AE Industrial shall remit such reimbursement to each Co-Investor, payable within five (5) business days of receiving documentation therefor.
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12. Filing Requirements.
(a) In consideration for each Co-Investor’s willingness to enter into this Agreement, AE Industrial shall take full responsibility to ensure each Co-Investor’s compliance with any reporting obligations under any applicable United States law or regulation (including, without limitation, the preparation and filing of any filings required under Section 13 or Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Schedules 13D or 13G, Forms 3 or 4, or any similar requirements) which such Co-Investor shall become subject to by virtue of its participation in this Agreement (except with respect to any Co-Investor that has notified AE Industrial in writing of its intent to make any such filings or reports separately). Each Co-Investor participating in a joint report or filing with AE Industrial and/or any other Co-Investor shall have no responsibility or liability for the preparation, filing, or accuracy of any such reports or filings, except to the extent of information provided in writing by Co-Investor for inclusion therein and AE Industrial shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless each Co-Investor (and each Indemnified Parties as defined below) for any Actions (as defined below) arising from the failure of AE Industrial to comply with its covenants set forth in this Section 12(a); provided that AE Industrial shall not be required to indemnify any Co-Investor to the extent any Action results primarily from such Co-Investor’s failure to comply with its obligations under this Agreement or such Co-Investor shall have engaged in willful misconduct or acted in bad faith with respect to its obligations hereunder or the transactions contemplated hereby. The Investor Group Representative shall provide copies of any joint filings or reports to each Co-Investor with reasonable time for review and comment prior to any such filing.
(b) Additionally, the Investor Group Representative shall provide to each Co-Investor, in writing by email, on a quarterly basis (or at such other intervals as may be reasonably requested by any Co-Investor): (i) the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by the Investor Group (including a breakdown of shares held by each Co-Investor and AE Industrial, respectively), (ii) the ownership ratios of each Co-Investor and AE Industrial, respectively, and (iii) the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, in each case reported as of the date of the number of outstanding Common Stock as set forth on the cover page of the Company’s most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or Annual Report on Form 10-K, as applicable, within five business days of such filing. In the event of an acquisition or disposition of one percent or more of the outstanding Common Stock by any of the AE Industrial Holders, the Investor Group Representative shall provide, within one business day of such acquisition or disposition, the information described in clauses (i) – (iii) as of such the date of such acquisition or disposition; provided that if such acquisition or disposition would not reasonably be expected to result in any reporting obligation for a Co-Investor, the Investor Group Representative may defer the delivery of such information to the quarterly notification described in the preceding sentence. The Investor Group Representative shall also provide such other information as may be reasonably requested by any Co-Investor in connection with its obligations under Section 13 of the Exchange Act.
13. Indemnification.
(a) The Company shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Investor Group, its Affiliates, partners, employees, agents, directors, managers, officers and controlling Persons and each Investor, their Affiliates, partners, employees, agents, directors, managers, officers and controlling Persons (collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, expenses, or obligations of any kind or nature (whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent) in connection therewith (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the Indemnified Parties before or after the date of this Agreement (each, an “Action”) arising directly or indirectly out of, or in any way relating to, (i) the Investor Group’s and/or each Investor’s or their respective Affiliates’ Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock or other equity securities of the Company or control or ability to influence the Company or any of its subsidiaries (other than any such Actions (x) that are finally determined by nonappealable judicial order to have constituted an intentional breach of this Agreement by an Indemnified Party or its Affiliates or the breach of any fiduciary duty of such Indemnified Party to the Company or its equity holders or (y) that are finally determined by nonappealable judicial order to have been the result of such Person’s willful misconduct), (ii) the business, operations, properties, assets or other rights or liabilities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or (iii) any services provided prior, on or after the date of this Agreement by the Investor Group or each Co-Investor or their respective Affiliates to the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
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The Company shall defend at its own cost and expense in respect of any Action which may be brought against the Company and/or its Affiliates and the Indemnified Parties.
(b) The Company shall defend at its own cost and expense any and all Actions which may be brought in which the Indemnified Parties may be impleaded with others upon any Action by the Indemnified Parties, except that if such damage shall be proven to be the direct result of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct by any of the Indemnified Parties, then such Indemnified Party shall reimburse the Company for the costs of defense and other costs incurred by the Company in proportion to such Indemnified Party’s culpability as proven. In the event of the assertion against any Indemnified Party of any Action or the commencement of any Action, the Company shall be entitled to participate in such Action and in the investigation of such Action and, after written notice from the Company to such Indemnified Party, to assume the investigation or defense of such Action with counsel of the Company’s choice at the Company’s expense; provided, however, that such counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company may retain one firm of counsel to represent all Indemnified Parties in such Action; provided, however, that the Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ a single firm of separate counsel (and any necessary local counsel) and to participate in the defense or investigation of such Action and the Company shall bear the expense of such separate counsel (and local counsel, if applicable), if (x) in the opinion of counsel to the Indemnified Party use of counsel of the Company’s choice could reasonably be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest, (y) the Company shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the Indemnified Party to represent the Indemnified Party within a reasonable time after notice of the assertion of any such Action or (z) the Company shall authorize the Indemnified Party to employ separate counsel at the Company’s expense. The Company further agrees that with respect to any Indemnified Party who is employed, retained or otherwise associated with, or appointed or nominated by, the Investor Group and/or an applicable Investor or any of their respective Affiliates and who acts or serves as a director, officer, manager, fiduciary, employee, consultant, advisor or agent of, for or to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, that the Company or such subsidiaries, as applicable, shall be primarily liable for all indemnification, reimbursements, advancements or similar payments (the “Indemnity Obligations”) afforded to such Indemnified Party acting in such capacity or capacities on behalf or at the request of the Company, whether the Indemnity Obligations are created by law, organizational or constituent documents, contract (including this Agreement) or otherwise.
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(c) The Company hereby agrees that in no event shall the Company or any of its subsidiaries have any right or claim against the Investor Group or any Investor for contribution or have rights of subrogation against the Investor Group or any Investor through an Indemnified Party for any payment made by the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to any Indemnity Obligation. In addition, the Company hereby agrees that in the event that the Investor Group and/or any Investor pay or advance an Indemnified Party any expenses with respect to an Indemnity Obligation, the Company will, or will cause its subsidiaries to, as applicable, promptly reimburse the Investor Group and/or the applicable Investor, for such payment or advance upon request; subject to the receipt by the Company of a written undertaking executed by the Indemnified Party and the Investor Group and/or the applicable Investor, that makes such payment or advance to repay any such amounts if it shall ultimately be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that such Indemnified Party was not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. The foregoing right to indemnity shall be in addition to any rights that any Indemnified Party may have at common law or otherwise and shall remain in full force and effect following the completion or any termination of the engagement. If for any reason the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to any Indemnified Party or insufficient to hold it harmless as and to the extent contemplated by this Section 13, then the Company shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the Indemnified Party as a result of such Action in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and the Indemnified Party, as the case may be, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
(d) The Company hereby acknowledges that certain of the Indemnified Parties have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by investment funds managed by the Investor Group and certain of their Affiliates (collectively, the “Fund Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees with respect to any indemnification, hold harmless obligation, expense advancement or reimbursement provision or any other similar obligation whether pursuant to or with respect to this Agreement, the organizational documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any other agreement, as applicable, (i) that the Company and its subsidiaries are the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., their obligations to the Indemnified Parties are primary and any obligation of the Fund Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for claims, expenses or obligations arising out of the same or similar facts and circumstances suffered by any Indemnified Party are secondary), (ii) that the Company shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by any Indemnified Party and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, liabilities, obligations, judgments, penalties, fines, and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement, the organizational documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any other agreement, as applicable, without regard to any rights any Indemnified Party may have against the Fund Indemnitors, and (iii) that the Company, on behalf of itself and each of its subsidiaries, irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Fund Indemnitors from any and all Actions against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of any Indemnified Party with respect to any Action for which any Indemnified Party has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Fund Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of any Indemnified Party against the Company. The Company agrees that the Fund Indemnitors are express third-party beneficiaries of the terms of this Section 13.
14. Headings. Headings are for ease of reference only and shall not form a part of this Agreement.
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15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
16. Jurisdiction. Any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement may be brought against any of the parties in any federal court located in the State of Delaware or any Delaware state court, and each of the parties hereby consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such suit, action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein. Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each of the parties agrees that service of process upon such party at the address referred to in Section 23, together with written notice of such service to such party, shall be deemed effective service of process upon such party.
17. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT.
18. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations, both written and oral among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.
19. Counterparts; Effectiveness. This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This Agreement shall become effective when each party shall have received a counterpart hereof signed by each of the other parties. An executed copy or counterpart hereof delivered by facsimile shall be deemed an original instrument.
20. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.
21. Further Assurances. Each of the parties hereto shall execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts and things as may be required to carry out the intent and purpose of this Agreement.
22. Specific Performance. Each of the parties hereto agree that irreparable damage would occur if any provision of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with the terms hereof and that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement or to enforce specifically the performance of the terms and provisions hereof in any federal or state court located in the State of Delaware, in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
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23. Notices. All notices, requests and other communications to any party or to the Company shall be in writing (including telecopy or similar writing) and shall be given,
If to the Company:
Firefly Aerospace Inc.
1320 Arrow Point Drive #109
Cedar Park, TX 778613
Attention: David Wheeler, General Counsel
Email: [***]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
333 West Wolf Point Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654
Attention: Robert Hayward, Kevin M. Frank, Ashley Sinclair
Email: [***]
If to any member of AE Industrial or any the Investor Group Nominee:
c/o the AE Industrial Partners, LP
6700 Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Attention: Matthew J. Friendly, General Counsel
Email: [***]
With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
333 West Wolf Point Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654
Attention: Robert Hayward, Kevin M. Frank, Ashley Sinclair
Email: [***]
If to a Co-Investor, to the address listed for such Co-Investor on the signature pages hereto.
or to such other address or telecopier number as such party or the Company may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the other parties and the Company. Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective when delivered at the address specified in this Section 23 during regular business hours.
24. Enforcement. Each of the parties hereto covenant and agree that the disinterested members of the Board have the right to enforce, waive or take any other action with respect to this Agreement on behalf of the Company.
* * * * *
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
| Firefly Aerospace Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jason Kim | |
| Name: | Jason Kim | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| Glow NS Holdings, LLC | ||
| Glow B Holdings, LLC | ||
| Glow C Holdings, LLC | ||
| Glow D Holdings, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ Kirk Konert | |
| Name: | Kirk Konert | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
| AE Co-Investment Partners Fund III-F, LP | ||
| By: AE Industrial Partners Fund III GP, LP | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: AeroEquity GP, LLC | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: | /s/ Michael Greene | |
| Name: | Michael Greene | |
| Title: | Authorized Person | |
| AE Industrial Partners Structured Solutions I, LP. | ||
| By: | /s/ Michael Greene | |
| Name: | Michael Greene | |
| Title: | Authorized Person | |
[Signature Page to Director Nomination Agreement]
CO-INVESTORS:
| MITSUI & CO., LTD. | ||
| By: | /s/ Yuichi Nagata | |
| Name: | Yuichi Nagata | |
| Title: | General Manager, Aerospace Business Div. | |
| Address: | 2-1, Otemachi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8631, Japan |
|
| Email: | [***] | |
[Signature Page to Director Nomination Agreement]
| RPM VENTURES IV, L.P. FOR ITSELF AS NOMINEE FOR RPM VENTURES IV-A, L.P. | ||
| By: RPM Ventures IV (GP), L.L.C. | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: | /s/ Marc Weiser | |
| Name: | Marc Weiser | |
| Title: | Managing Member | |
[Signature Page to Director Nomination Agreement]
| BGW VENTURES IV, LP | ||
| By: BGW Ventures IV (GP), L.L.C. | ||
| Its: General Partner | ||
| By: | /s/ Marc Weiser | |
| Name: | Marc Weiser | |
| Title: | Managing Member | |
[Signature Page to Director Nomination Agreement]
| /s/ Thomas Markusic |
| Thomas Markusic |
[Signature Page to Director Nomination Agreement]
Exhibit 10.4
AMENDED AND RESTATED CONSULTING AGREEMENT
This AMENDED AND RESTATED CONSULTING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of August 8, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), is entered into by and among Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and AE Industrial Operating Partners, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Consultant”). The Company and the Consultant are referred to herein as the “Parties”.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Parties entered into that certain Consulting Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2021 (the “Prior Agreement”);
WHEREAS, the Consultant has been providing the Company consulting services pursuant to the terms of the Prior Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue receiving consulting services from the Consultant and to continue obtaining the benefit of the experience of the Consultant in business and financial management;
WHEREAS, the Consultant desires to continue providing consulting services to the Company;
WHEREAS, the fee and expense arrangements set forth in this Agreement are designed to pay the Consultant for providing such financial and management consulting services to the Company; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Agreement; Term.
(a) The Company hereby retains the Consultant to perform, and the Consultant agrees to render to the Company and its current and future direct and indirect subsidiaries, if any (each a “Subsidiary” and collectively, the “Subsidiaries”), on the terms herein set forth, consulting services regarding the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries and such other services relating to the Company and the Subsidiaries as may from time to time be reasonably requested by the board of directors or managers or executive officers of the Company or any Subsidiary and agreed to by the Consultant. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Parties currently contemplate that these services shall include general business, financial and management consulting services and operational advice in connection with day-to-day operations.
(b) It is expressly understood and agreed that the Consultant shall devote only so much time, and shall consult with and advise the officers, directors and managers of the Company and/or any Subsidiary, only to such extent and at such times and places as may be mutually convenient to the Company and/or such Subsidiary and the Consultant. The Consultant shall be free to provide similar services to such other business enterprises or activities as the Consultant may deem fit without any limitation or restriction whatsoever.
(c) The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue until the earlier of (i) the second (2nd) anniversary of the consummation of the initial public offering (the “Initial Public Offering”) of the equity securities of the Company and (ii) the date on which AE Industrial Partners, LP beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, less than ten percent (10%) of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; provided that the Consultant has the irrevocable right to terminate this Agreement and all outstanding obligations hereunder at any time by written notice to the Company. In the event of a termination of this Agreement, the Company will pay to the Consultant any fees that are due and owing under this Agreement as of the date of delivery of the written notice from the Consultant described above (but no other fees under this Agreement). Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, (i) the Company’s obligation to pay amounts due with respect to periods prior to the termination hereof and (ii) the provisions of Sections 3 through 15 hereof, in each case, shall survive any termination of this Agreement unless expressly terminated by joint written agreement of the Parties specifically referencing each such provision.
(d) During the term of this Agreement, in order for the Consultant to perform the consulting services contemplated hereby, the Company will promptly (i) furnish the Consultant with such data, materials or other information regarding the business, financial condition and prospects of the Company and the Subsidiaries as the Consultant reasonably requests and (ii) inform the Consultant of any material developments or matters affecting the business, financial condition and prospects of the Company or the Subsidiaries that occur. In performing its services hereunder, the Consultant shall be entitled to rely without investigation upon all data, materials or other information supplied to it by, or on behalf of, the Company and the Subsidiaries, and the Consultant shall not in any respect be responsible for the accuracy or completeness of, or have any obligation to verify, any of such data, materials or other information.
2. Fees and Expenses.
(a) For the services to be rendered by the Consultant hereunder, the Consultant shall be paid an annual fee (the “Annual Consulting Fee” and, together with any amounts payable pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof, the “Consulting Fees”) of $2,400,000. The Company shall pay the Annual Consulting Fee in equal quarterly installments in advance on the first (1st) business day of each calendar quarter.
(b) The Company shall reimburse the Consultant and/or any of its respective Affiliates (each, a “Consultant Affiliate”) from time to time at the request of the Consultant and/or any Consultant Affiliate for the cost of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Consultant and/or any Consultant Affiliate in the performance of the services hereunder and all matters related thereto. Such out-of-pocket costs shall include the costs of any service providers, attorneys, accountants, investment bankers, management, or restructuring, real estate or other consultants, or other similar agents, advisors, or representatives engaged by the Consultant or any Consultant Affiliate in connection with the performance of services hereunder and matters related thereto, or for the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s benefit.
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The aforementioned expenses will be payable promptly, but in no event more than ten (10) business days following the date which the Consultant or any Consultant Affiliate submits to the Company an invoice for such fees and expenses (which may be more than once per month), by the Company to the Consultant and/or such Consultant Affiliate, as applicable. All such services provided by a Consultant Affiliate shall be covered by the terms hereof and the Consultant and each Consultant Affiliate shall be considered a Consultant Indemnitee (as defined below) with respect to such services provided. The Company agrees that each Consultant Affiliate shall also be a third-party beneficiary hereunder. For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” of any particular entity means any other person or entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with such particular entity, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of any such entity whether through the ownership of voting securities, contract or otherwise.
3. Relationship of the Parties. The Consultant is providing services hereunder as an independent contractor. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to constitute the Parties as joint venturers, joint employers, single employers, alter egos, partners or participants in an unincorporated business or other separate entity, nor in any manner create any employer-employee or principal-agent relationship between the Company and/or any of the Subsidiaries on the one hand, and the Consultant or any of its members, managers, agents, subcontractors, officers or employees on the other hand (notwithstanding the fact that the Company and the Consultant may have in common any officers, directors, stockholders, members, managers, employees, or other personnel).
4. Managers and Officers. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to relieve the directors, managers or officers of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries from the performance of their respective duties or limit the exercise of their powers in accordance with the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s, as applicable, charter, bylaws, operating agreement, other constituent documents, applicable law or otherwise. The activities of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries shall at all times be subject to the control and direction of their respective directors, managers and officers. The Consultant shall not, and shall have no authority to, control the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or the Company’s or any of the Subsidiaries’ day-to-day operations by virtue of this Agreement.
5. Limitation of Liability. Neither the Consultant nor any of its respective Affiliates, nor any of their respective past, current or future equityholders, members, managers, partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and/or controlling persons, nor any successor by operation of law (including by merger) of any such person, nor any entity that acquires all or substantially all of the assets of any such person in a single transaction or series of related transactions (all of the foregoing, collectively, the “Consultant Indemnitees”) shall be liable to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any of the security holders or creditors of the Company or any of its Affiliates for any act, alleged act, omission or alleged omission hereunder (collectively “Liabilities”) that does not constitute willful misconduct of a Consultant Indemnitee, as determined by a final, non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction. The Consultant makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, in respect of the services provided by any Consultant Indemnitee and all such representations and warranties are hereby disclaimed.
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6. Indemnification; Advancement. The Company shall reimburse, defend, indemnify and hold the Consultant Indemnitees, and each of them, harmless from and against any Liabilities arising out of, related to, caused by, based upon or in connection with (a) any act or omission of, or on behalf of, the Company, any of the Subsidiaries, the Consultant or any of the Consultant Indemnitees, except to the extent proven to result directly and primarily from the willful misconduct of the person seeking indemnification, (b) any act or omission made at the direction of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (c) any breach by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement (collectively, the items in (a), (b), and (c) of this Section 6, “Claims”). The Company shall defend at its own cost and expense any and all suits or actions (just or unjust) which may be brought against the Company, any of the Subsidiaries or any Consultant Indemnitee or in which any Consultant Indemnitee may be impleaded with others upon any Claims, or upon any matter, directly or indirectly arising out of, related to, caused by, based upon or in connection with this Agreement or the performance (or failure of performance) hereof by any Consultant Indemnitee. Reasonable and documented expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by a Consultant Indemnitee entitled to be indemnified under this Section 6 who was, is or is threatened to be made subject to a Claim shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of the Claim upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such Consultant Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he, she or it is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company. The Company hereby acknowledges that the Consultant Indemnitees have certain rights to advancement and/or indemnification by certain Affiliates of AeroEquity GP, LLC (collectively, the “Fund Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees that with respect to any Claims, (i) the Company is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to the Consultant Indemnitees are primary and those of the Fund Indemnitors are secondary), (ii) the Company shall be liable for the full amount of payments of indemnification required by any organizational document of such entity or any agreement to which such entity is a party, and (iii) the Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives any claims against the Fund Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation, exoneration, reimbursement or any other recovery of any kind for which it is liable pursuant to any organizational document or agreement including this Agreement. The Company further agrees that no payment for indemnification by the Fund Indemnitors on behalf of any Consultant Indemnitee with respect to any Claim for which a Consultant Indemnitee has sought payment from it shall affect the foregoing, and the Fund Indemnitors, to the extent of such payment, shall be subrogated to all of the rights of recovery of such Consultant Indemnitee against it.
7. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications permitted or required to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed conclusively to have been given (i) when personally delivered, (ii) when sent by electronic mail (with hard copy to follow) during a business day (or on the next business day if sent after the close of normal business hours or on any non-business day), (iii) one (1) business day after being sent by reputable overnight express courier (charges prepaid) or (iv) three (3) business days following mailing by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested. Unless another address is specified in writing, notices, requests, demands and communications to the Parties shall be sent to the addresses indicated below:
If to the Company:
Firefly Aerospace Inc.
1320 Arrow Point Drive, Suite 109
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Email: [***]
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with a mandatory copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Company) to:
AE Industrial Partners Fund II, LP
6700 Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Attention: Kirk Konert
Email: [***]
and
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
333 West Wolf Point Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654
Attention: Robert M. Hayward, P.C.; Kevin M. Frank; Ashley Sinclair
Email: [***]
If to the Consultant:
AE Industrial Partners Fund II, LP
6700 Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Attention: Kirk Konert
Email: [***]
with a mandatory copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Consultant) to:
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
333 West Wolf Point Plaza
Chicago, IL 60654
Attention: Robert M. Hayward, P.C.; Kevin M. Frank; Ashley Sinclair
Email: [***]
8. Assignment; Successors and Assigns. This Agreement and the rights, duties and obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries hereunder may not be assigned or delegated by the Company or any Subsidiary without the prior written consent of the Consultant. All covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns.
9. Amendments. The Prior Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety by this Agreement, provided that for the avoidance of doubt, references to this Agreement include (with respect to periods prior to the date hereof) the Prior Agreement. No modification, amendment or supplement of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Parties. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the waiving Party.
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10. Applicable Law; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law or choice of law that would compel the application of the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LITIGATION, ACTION, PROCEEDING, CROSS-CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM IN ANY COURT (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH (I) THIS AGREEMENT OR THE VALIDITY, PERFORMANCE, INTERPRETATION, COLLECTION OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF OR (II) THE ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES IN THE NEGOTIATION, AUTHORIZATION, EXECUTION, DELIVERY, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT HEREOF.
11. Section Headings. The headings of each section are contained herein for convenience of reference only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the Parties with regard to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements, understandings and representations, oral or written, with regard to such matters.
13. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or application thereof under any circumstances is adjudicated to be invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision or application of this Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid or unenforceable provision or application and shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision or application in any other jurisdiction. If any provision is held void, invalid or unenforceable with respect to particular circumstances, it shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect in all other circumstances.
14. Counterparts. This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments hereto or thereto, may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
15. Outside Activities. The Company hereby acknowledges that one or more of the Consultant Indemnitees have had, and from time to time may have, outside activities or interests that conflict or may conflict with the best interests of the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their Affiliates (collectively, “Outside Activities”), including, without limitation, investment opportunities or investments in, ownership of, or participation in entities that are or could be complementary to, or competitive with, the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their Affiliates or for which the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates could have an expectancy, interest or desire to engage. The Company hereby approves and consents to all such Outside Activities, and no Consultant Indemnitee shall be liable to the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their Affiliates for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise), including without limitation any fiduciary duties, by reason of any such activities or of such person’s participation therein.
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No Consultant Indemnitee shall have any duty to communicate or offer any opportunity or the existence of any Outside Activities to the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates, and no Consultant Indemnitee shall have any duty to refrain therefrom (directly, indirectly or through any assignee or transferee). In the event that any Consultant Indemnitee acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity for both the Company, any Subsidiary or any of their Affiliates, on the one hand, and any Consultant Indemnitee, on the other hand, no Consultant Indemnitee shall have any duty (contractual or otherwise), including without limitation any fiduciary duties, to communicate, present or offer such corporate opportunity to the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliates and, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, shall not be liable to the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliates for breach of any duty (contractual or otherwise), including, without limitation any fiduciary duties, by reason of the fact that any Consultant Indemnitee directly or indirectly pursued or acquired such opportunity for itself, directed such opportunity to another person, or did not present or communicate such opportunity to the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliates, even though such corporate opportunity may be of a character that, if presented to the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliates, could be taken by the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliates, as applicable. The Company and each Subsidiary hereby renounce any interest, right, or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any such opportunity not offered to them by any Consultant Indemnitee to the fullest extent permitted by law, including pursuant to Section 122(17) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Consulting Agreement as of the date first above written.
| AE INDUSTRIAL OPERATING PARTNERS, LLC | ||
| By: | AE Industrial Partners, LP | |
| Its: | Managing Member | |
| By: | AeroEquity GP, LLC | |
| Its: | General Partner | |
| By: | /s/ Kirk Konert |
|
| Name: | Kirk Konert | |
| Title: | Authorized Signatory | |
| FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC. | ||
| By: | /s/ Jason Kim |
|
| Name: | Jason Kim | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
Signature Page to Consulting Agreement
Exhibit 10.6
FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.
2025 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Firefly Aerospace Inc. 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan (this “Plan”) is to promote the success of the Company’s business for the benefit of its stockholders by enabling the Company to offer Eligible Individuals cash and stock-based incentives in order to attract, retain, and reward such individuals and strengthen the mutuality of interests between such individuals and the Company’s stockholders. This Plan is effective as of the date set forth in Article XIV.
This Plan supersedes and replaces the Amended and Restated Firefly Aerospace Inc. 2017 Stock Plan, as amended from time to time (the “Prior Plan”) in its entirety. Awards may not be granted under the Prior Plan on or following the Effective Date. Awards granted under the Prior Plan prior to the Effective Date will remain subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prior Plan.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
2.1 “Affiliate” means a corporation or other entity controlled by, controlling, or under common control with the Company. The term “control” (including, with correlative meaning, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.
2.2 “Applicable Law” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity-based awards and the related shares under U.S. state corporate law, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the rules or requirements of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the shares are listed or quoted, and any other applicable laws, including tax laws, of any U.S. or non-U.S. jurisdictions where Awards are, or will be, granted under this Plan.
2.3 “Award” means any award under this Plan of any Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Award, Other Stock-Based Award, or Cash Award. All Awards shall be evidenced by and subject to the terms of an Award Agreement.
2.4 “Award Agreement” means the written or electronic agreement, contract, certificate, or other instrument or document evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Award. Each Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan.
2.5 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.6 “Cash Award” means an Award granted to an Eligible Individual pursuant to Section 9.3 of this Plan and payable in cash at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
2.7 “Cause” means with respect to a Participant’s Termination of Service, unless otherwise defined in the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement between the Company and the Participant, the following: (a) in the case where there is no employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant at the time of the grant of the Award (or where there is such agreement in effect but it does not define “cause” (or words of like import)), (i) the Participant’s theft, dishonesty, willful misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty for personal profit, or falsification of any Company or Affiliate documents or records; (ii) the Participant’s material failure to abide by the Company’s or any Affiliate’s code of conduct or other policies (including, without limitation, policies relating to confidentiality and reasonable workplace conduct); (iii) the Participant’s unauthorized use, misappropriation, destruction or diversion of any tangible or intangible asset or corporate opportunity of the Company or any Affiliate (including, without limitation, the Participant’s improper use or disclosure of the Company’s or any Affiliate’s confidential or proprietary information); (iv) any intentional act by the Participant which has a material detrimental effect on the Company’s or any Affiliate’s reputation or business; (v) the Participant’s repeated failure or inability to perform any reasonable assigned duties after written notice from the Company or any Affiliate thereof, and a reasonable opportunity to cure, such failure or inability; (vi) any material breach by the Participant of any employment or service agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate thereof, which breach is not cured pursuant to the terms of such agreement; or (vii) the Participant’s conviction (including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere) of any criminal act involving fraud, dishonesty, misappropriation or moral turpitude, or which impairs the Participant’s ability to perform his or her duties with the Company or an Affiliate thereof, or (b) in the case where there is an employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant at the time of the grant of the Award that defines “cause” (or words of like import), “cause” as defined under such agreement; provided, however, that with regard to any agreement under which the definition of “cause” only applies on occurrence of a change in control, such definition of “cause” shall not apply until a change in control (as defined in such agreement) actually takes place and then only with regard to a termination thereafter.
2.8 “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following, unless otherwise defined in the applicable Award Agreement or other written agreement with a Participant approved by the Committee:
(a) any Person (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company, or any company owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company), becoming the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding for purposes herein, acquisitions pursuant to a Business Combination (as defined below) that does not constitute a Change in Control as defined in Section 2.8(b);
(b) a merger, reorganization, or consolidation of the Company or in which equity securities of the Company are issued (each, a “Business Combination”), other than a merger, reorganization or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its direct or indirect parent) more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity (or, as applicable, a direct or indirect parent of the Company or such surviving entity) outstanding immediately after such merger, reorganization or consolidation; provided, however, that a merger, reorganization or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person (other than those covered by the exceptions in Section 2.8(a)) acquires more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities shall not constitute a Change in Control;
(c) during the period of two (2) consecutive years, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board together with any new director(s) (other than a director designated by a Person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in Sections 2.8(a) or (b)) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the two (2) year period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof; or (d) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the consummation of a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets other than the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to a Person or Persons who beneficially own, directly or indirectly, fifty percent (50%) or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Company at the time of the sale.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any Award that is characterized as “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, an event shall not be considered to be a Change in Control under this Plan for purposes of payment of such Award unless such event is also a “change in ownership,” a “change in effective control,” or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets” of the Company within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
2.9 “Change in Control Price” means the highest price per Share paid in any transaction related to a Change in Control as determined by the Committee in its discretion.
2.10 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to any section of the Code shall also be a reference to any successor provision and any guidance and treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
2.11 “Committee” means any committee of the Board duly authorized by the Board to administer this Plan; provided, however, that unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Committee shall consist solely of two or more members of the Board who are each (a) a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b), and (b) “independent” under the listing standards or rules of the securities exchange upon which the Common Stock is traded, but only to the extent such independence is required in order to take the action at issue pursuant to such standards or rules. If no committee is duly authorized by the Board to administer this Plan, the term “Committee” shall be deemed to refer to the Board for all purposes under this Plan. The Board may abolish any Committee or re-vest in itself any previously delegated authority from time to time, and will retain the right to exercise the authority of the Committee to the extent consistent with Applicable Law.
2.12 “Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company.
2.13 “Company” means Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors by operation of law.
2.14 “Consultant” means any natural person who is an advisor or consultant or other service provider to the Company or any of its Affiliates.
2.15 “Detrimental Conduct” means, as determined by the Company, the following: (a) any conduct by the Participant that could result in the Participant’s Termination of Service for Cause; or (b) the Participant taking or maintaining trading positions that result in a need to restate financial results in a subsequent reporting period or that result in a significant financial loss to the Company or an Affiliate.
2.16 “Disability” means, unless otherwise defined in the applicable Award Agreement, with respect to a Participant’s Termination of Service, the inability of the Participant to perform the major duties of the Participant’s position with the Company of any Affiliate because of the sickness or injury of the Participant; provided, however, for purposes of an Incentive Stock Option, the term Disability shall have the meaning ascribed to it under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The determination of whether an individual has a Disability shall be determined by the Committee, and the Committee may rely on any determination that a Participant is disabled for purposes of benefits under any long-term disability plan in which a Participant participates that is maintained by the Company or any Affiliate.
2.17 “Dividend Equivalent Rights” means a right granted to a Participant under this Plan to receive the equivalent value (in cash or Shares) of dividends paid on Shares.
2.18 “Effective Date” means the effective date of this Plan as defined in Article XIV.
2.19 “Eligible Employee” means each employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates. An employee on a leave of absence may be an Eligible Employee.
2.20 “Eligible Individual” means an Eligible Employee, Non-Employee Director, or Consultant who is designated by the Committee in its discretion as eligible to receive Awards subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
2.21 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. Reference to a specific section of the Exchange Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
2.22 “Fair Market Value” means, for purposes of this Plan, unless otherwise required by any applicable provision of the Code or any regulations issued thereunder, as of any date and except as provided below, the last sales price reported for the Common Stock on the applicable date: (a) as reported on the principal national securities exchange in the United States on which it is then traded, listed or otherwise reported or quoted or (b) if the Common Stock is not traded, listed, or otherwise reported or quoted, the Committee shall determine in good faith the Fair Market Value in whatever manner it considers appropriate, taking into account the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of the grant of any Award, the applicable date shall be the trading day immediately prior to the date on which the Award is granted. For purposes of the exercise of any Award, the applicable date shall be the date a notice of exercise is received by the Committee or, if not a date on which the applicable market is open, the next day that it is open.
2.23 “Family Member” means “family member” as defined in Section A.1.(a)(5) of the general instructions of Form S-8.
2.24 “Incentive Stock Option” means any Stock Option granted to an Eligible Employee who is an employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries under this Plan and that is intended to be, and is designated as, an “Incentive Stock Option” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
2.25 “Non-Employee Director” means a director on the Board who is not an employee of the Company.
2.26 “Non-Qualified Stock Option” means any Stock Option granted under this Plan that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
2.27 “Other Stock-Based Award” means an Award granted under Article IX of this Plan that is valued in whole or in part by reference to, or is payable in or otherwise based on, Shares, but may be settled in the form of Shares or cash.
2.28 “Participant” means an Eligible Individual to whom an Award has been granted pursuant to this Plan.
2.29 “Performance Award” means an Award granted under Article VIII of this Plan.
2.30 “Performance Goals” means goals established by the Committee as contingencies for Awards to vest and/or become exercisable or distributable.
2.31 “Performance Period” means the designated period during which the Performance Goals must be satisfied with respect to the Award to which the Performance Goals relate.
2.32 “Person” means any “person” as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act.
2.33 “Prior Plan Award” means an award outstanding under the Prior Plan as of the Effective Date.
2.34 “Restricted Stock” means an Award of Shares granted under Article VII of this Plan.
2.35 “Restricted Stock Unit” means an unfunded, unsecured right to receive, on the applicable settlement date, one Share or an amount in cash or other consideration determined by the Committee to be of equal value as of such settlement date, subject to certain vesting conditions and other restrictions.
2.36 “Rule 16b-3” means Rule 16b-3 under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act as then in effect or any successor provision.
2.37 “Section 409A of the Code” means the nonqualified deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code and any applicable treasury regulations and other official guidance thereunder.
2.38 “Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Reference to a specific section of the Securities Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
2.39 “Shares” means shares of Common Stock.
2.40 “Stock Appreciation Right” means a stock appreciation right granted under Article VI of this Plan.
2.41 “Stock Option” or “Option” means any option to purchase Shares granted pursuant to Article VI of this Plan.
2.42 “Subsidiary” means any subsidiary corporation of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.
2.43 “Ten Percent Stockholder” means a Person owning stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or its Subsidiaries.
2.44 “Termination of Service” means the termination of the applicable Participant’s employment with, or performance of services for, the Company and its Affiliates. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, (a) if a Participant’s employment or services with the Company and its Affiliates terminates but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company and its Affiliates in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be deemed a Termination of Service with the Company and its Affiliates and (b) a Participant employed by, or performing services for an Affiliate that ceases to be an Affiliate shall also be deemed to have incurred a Termination of Service provided the Participant does not immediately thereafter become an employee of the Company or another Affiliate. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition, with respect to any Award that constitutes a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, a Participant shall not be considered to have experienced a “Termination of Service” unless the Participant has experienced a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.
ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATION
3.1 Authority of the Committee. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee. Subject to the terms of this Plan and Applicable Law, the Committee shall have full authority to grant Awards to Eligible Individuals under this Plan. In particular, the Committee shall have the authority to:
(a) determine whether and to what extent Awards, or any combination thereof, are to be granted hereunder to one or more Eligible Individuals;
(b) determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder; (c) determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, of any Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, the exercise or purchase price (if any), any restriction or limitation, any vesting schedule or acceleration thereof, or any forfeiture restrictions or waiver thereof, regarding any Award and the Shares, if any, relating thereto, based on such factors, if any, as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion);
(d) determine the amount of cash to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(e) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances grants of Options and other Awards under this Plan are to operate on a tandem basis and/or in conjunction with or apart from other awards made by the Company outside of this Plan;
(f) determine whether and under what circumstances an Award may be settled in cash, Shares, other property, or a combination of the foregoing;
(g) determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Shares, or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award under this Plan shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant;
(h) modify, waive, amend, or adjust the terms and conditions of any Award, at any time or from time to time, including but not limited to Performance Goals;
(i) determine whether a Stock Option is an Incentive Stock Option or Non-Qualified Stock Option;
(j) determine whether to require a Participant, as a condition of the granting of any Award, to not sell or otherwise dispose of Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise or vesting of an Award for a period of time as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, following the date of the acquisition of such Award or Shares;
(k) modify, extend, or renew an Award, subject to Article XI and Section 6.8(g) of this Plan; and
(l) determine how the Disability, death, retirement, authorized leave of absence or any other change or purported change in a Participant’s status affects an Award and the extent to which, and the period during which, the Participant, the Participant’s legal representative, conservator, guardian or beneficiary may exercise rights under the Award, if applicable.
3.2 Guidelines. Subject to Article XI of this Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter, and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines, and practices governing this Plan and perform all acts, including the delegation of its responsibilities (to the extent permitted by Applicable Law and applicable stock exchange rules), as it shall, from time to time, deem advisable; to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan and any Award issued under this Plan (and any agreements or sub-plans relating thereto); and to otherwise supervise the administration of this Plan. The Committee may correct any defect, supply any omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in this Plan or in any agreement relating thereto in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary to effectuate the purpose and intent of this Plan. The Committee may adopt special rules, sub-plans, guidelines, and provisions for persons who are residing in or employed in, or subject to, the taxes of any domestic or foreign jurisdictions to satisfy or accommodate applicable foreign laws or to qualify for preferred tax treatment of such domestic or foreign jurisdictions.
3.3 Decisions Final. Any decision, interpretation, or other action made or taken in good faith by or at the direction of the Company, the Board, or the Committee (or any of its members) arising out of or in connection with this Plan shall be within the absolute discretion of all and each of them, as the case may be, and shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Company and all employees and Participants and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns.
3.4 Designation of Consultants/Liability; Delegation of Authority.
(a) The Committee may employ such legal counsel, consultants, and agents as it may deem desirable for the administration of this Plan and may rely upon any opinion received from any such counsel or consultant and any computation received from any such consultant or agent. Expenses incurred by the Committee or the Board in the engagement of any such counsel, consultant, or agent shall be paid by the Company. The Committee, its members, and any person designated pursuant to this Section 3.4 shall not be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, no officer of the Company or member or former member of the Committee or of the Board shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to this Plan or any Award granted under it.
(b) The Committee may delegate any or all of its powers and duties under this Plan to a subcommittee of directors or to any officer of the Company, including the power to perform administrative functions (including executing agreements or other documents on behalf of the Committee) and grant Awards; provided, that such delegation does not (i) violate Applicable Law, or (ii) result in the loss of an exemption under Rule 16b-3(d)(1) for Awards granted to Participants subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company. Upon any such delegation, all references in this Plan to the “Committee,” shall be deemed to include any subcommittee or officer of the Company to whom such powers have been delegated by the Committee. Any such delegation shall not limit the right of such subcommittee members or such an officer to receive Awards; provided, however, that such subcommittee members and any such officer may not grant Awards to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate, or take any action with respect to any Award previously granted to himself or herself, a member of the Board, or any executive officer of the Company or an Affiliate. The Committee may also designate employees or professional advisors who are not executive officers of the Company or members of the Board to assist in administering this Plan, provided, however, that such individuals may not be delegated the authority to grant or modify any Awards that will, or may, be settled in Shares.
3.5 Indemnification. To the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law and to the extent not covered by insurance directly insuring such person, each current and former officer or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates and member or former member of the Committee or the Board shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against any cost or expense (including reasonable fees of counsel acceptable to the Committee) or liability (including any sum paid in settlement of a claim with the approval of the Committee), and advanced amounts necessary to pay the foregoing at the earliest time and to the fullest extent permitted, arising out of any act or omission to act in connection with the administration of this Plan, except to the extent arising out of such officer’s, employee’s, member’s, or former member’s own fraud or bad faith. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any right of indemnification that the current or former employee, officer or member may have under Applicable Law or under the by-laws of the Company or any of its Affiliates. Notwithstanding anything else herein, this indemnification will not apply to the actions or determinations made by an individual with regard to Awards granted to such individual under this Plan.
ARTICLE IV
SHARE LIMITATION
4.1 Shares. The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to this Plan shall not exceed 24,110,000 Shares (subject to any increase or decrease pursuant to this Article IV), which may be either authorized and unissued Shares or Shares held in or acquired for the treasury of the Company or both. The number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to this Plan shall be subject to an annual increase on January 1 of each calendar year beginning in 2026, and ending and including 2035, equal to the lesser of (a) 3% of the aggregate number of Shares outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding calendar year and (b) such smaller number of Shares as is determined by the Board. The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued or used with respect to any Incentive Stock Option shall not exceed 24,110,000 Shares (subject to any increase or decrease pursuant to Section 4.3). Any Award under this Plan settled in cash shall not be counted against the foregoing maximum share limitations. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Shares subject to an Award under this Plan or a Prior Plan Award shall again be made available for issuance or delivery under this Plan if such Shares are (i) Shares delivered, withheld or surrendered in payment of the exercise or purchase price of an Award, (ii) Shares delivered, withheld, or surrendered to satisfy any tax withholding obligation or (iii) Shares subject to a stock-settled Award that expires or is canceled, forfeited, or terminated without issuance of the full number of Shares to which the Award related.
4.2 Substitute Awards. In connection with an entity’s merger or consolidation with the Company or the Company’s acquisition of an entity’s property or stock, the Committee may grant Awards in substitution for any options or other stock or stock-based awards granted before such merger or consolidation by such entity or its affiliate (“Substitute Awards”). Substitute Awards may be granted on such terms as the Committee deems appropriate, notwithstanding limitations on Awards in this Plan. Substitute Awards will not count against the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (nor shall Shares subject to a Substitute Award be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4.1 above), except that Shares acquired by exercise of substitute Incentive Stock Options will count against the maximum number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options under this Plan, as set forth in Section 4.1 above. Additionally, in the event that a Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grants pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the entities party to such acquisition or combination) may be used for Awards under this Plan and shall not reduce the Shares authorized for grant under this Plan (and Shares subject to such Awards shall not be added to the Shares available for Awards under this Plan as provided under Section 4.1 above); provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Eligible Employees or Non-Employee Directors prior to such acquisition or combination.
4.3 Adjustments.
(a) The existence of this Plan and the Awards granted hereunder shall not affect in any way the right or power of the Board or the stockholders of the Company to make or authorize (i) any adjustment, recapitalization, reorganization, or other change in the Company’s capital structure or its business, (ii) any merger or consolidation of the Company or any Affiliate, (iii) any issuance of bonds, debentures, or preferred or prior preference stock ahead of or affecting the Shares, (iv) the dissolution or liquidation of the Company or any Affiliate, (v) any sale or transfer of all or part of the assets or business of the Company or any Affiliate, or (vi) any other corporate act or proceeding.
(b) Subject to the provisions of Section 10.1:
(i) If the Company at any time subdivides (by any split, recapitalization or otherwise) the outstanding Shares into a greater number of Shares, or combines (by reverse split, combination, or otherwise) its outstanding Shares into a lesser number of Shares, then the respective exercise prices for outstanding Awards that provide for a Participant-elected exercise and the number of Shares covered by outstanding Awards shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan; provided, that the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine whether an adjustment is appropriate.
(ii) Excepting transactions covered by Section 4.3(b)(i), if the Company effects any merger, consolidation, statutory exchange, spin-off, reorganization, sale or transfer of all or substantially all the Company’s assets or business, or other corporate transaction or event in such a manner that the Company’s outstanding Shares are converted into the right to receive (or the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive in exchange therefor), either immediately or upon liquidation of the Company, securities or other property of the Company or other entity, then, subject to the provisions of Section 10.1, (A) the aggregate number or kind of securities that thereafter may be issued under this Plan, (B) the number or kind of securities or other property (including cash) to be issued pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan (including as a result of the assumption of this Plan and the obligations hereunder by a successor entity, as applicable), or (C) the exercise or purchase price thereof, shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan.
(iii) If there shall occur any change in the capital structure of the Company other than those covered by Section 4.3(b)(i) or 4.3(b)(ii), any conversion, any adjustment, or any issuance of any class of securities convertible or exercisable into, or exercisable for, any class of equity securities of the Company, then the Committee shall adjust any Award and make such other adjustments to this Plan to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants under this Plan.
(iv) In the event of any pending stock dividend, stock split, combination or exchange of shares, merger, consolidation or other distribution (other than normal cash dividends) of Company assets to stockholders, or any other extraordinary transaction or change affecting the Shares or the Share price, including any securities offering or other similar transaction, for administrative convenience, the Committee may refuse to permit the exercise of any Award for up to sixty (60) days before or after such transaction.
(v) The Committee may adjust the Performance Goals applicable to any Awards to reflect any unusual or non-recurring events and other extraordinary items, impact of charges for restructurings, discontinued operations, and the cumulative effects of accounting or tax changes, each as defined by generally accepted accounting principles or as identified in the Company’s financial statements, notes to the financial statements, management’s discussion and analysis, or other Company public filing.
(vi) Any such adjustment determined by the Committee pursuant to this Section 4.3(b) shall be final, binding, and conclusive on the Company and all Participants and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and permitted assigns. Any adjustment to, or assumption or substitution of, an Award under this Section 4.3(b) shall be intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.424-1 (and any amendments thereto), to the extent applicable. Except as expressly provided in this Section 4.3 or in the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant shall have no additional rights under this Plan by reason of any transaction or event described in this Section 4.3.
4.4 Annual Limit on Non-Employee Director Compensation. In each calendar year during any part of which this Plan is in effect, a Non-Employee Director may not receive Awards for such individual’s service on the Board that, taken together with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director during such calendar year for such individual’s service on the Board, have a value in excess of $750,000 or, solely in the case of a lead director or non-executive chair of the Board, $1,000,000 (in either case, calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes); provided, that (a) the Committee may make exceptions to this limit, except that the Non-Employee Director receiving such additional compensation may not participate in the decision to award such compensation or in other contemporaneous decisions involving compensation for Non-Employee Directors and (b) for any calendar year in which a Non-Employee Director first commences service on the Board such limit shall be increased to $1,500,000; provided, further, that the limit set forth in this Section 4.4 shall be applied without regard to Awards or other compensation, if any, provided to a Non-Employee Director during any period in which such individual was an employee of the Company or any Affiliate or was otherwise providing services to the Company or to any Affiliate other than in the capacity as a Non-Employee Director.
ARTICLE V
ELIGIBILITY
5.1 General Eligibility. All current and prospective Eligible Individuals are eligible to be granted Awards. Eligibility for the grant of Awards and actual participation in this Plan shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. No Eligible Individual will automatically be granted any Award under this Plan.
5.2 Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, only Eligible Employees who are employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries are eligible to be granted Incentive Stock Options under this Plan. Eligibility for the grant of an Incentive Stock Option and actual participation in this Plan shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
5.3 General Requirement. The vesting and exercise of Awards granted to a prospective Eligible Individual are conditioned upon such individual actually becoming an Eligible Employee, Consultant, or Non-Employee Director, as applicable.
ARTICLE VI
STOCK OPTIONS; STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
6.1 General. Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. Each Stock Option granted under this Plan shall be of one of two types: (a) an Incentive Stock Option or (b) a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations in this Plan, including any limitations applicable to Incentive Stock Options.
6.2 Grants. The Committee shall have the authority to grant to any Eligible Individual one or more Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, and/or Stock Appreciation Rights; provided, however, that Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to an Eligible Employee who is an employee of the Company or its Subsidiaries. To the extent that any Stock Option does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option (whether because of its provisions or the time or manner of its exercise or otherwise), such Stock Option or the portion thereof which does not so qualify shall constitute a separate Non-Qualified Stock Option.
6.3 Exercise Price. The exercise price per Share subject to a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, provided that the per share exercise price of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than 100% (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, 110%) of the Fair Market Value at the time of grant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is a Substitute Award, the exercise price per Share for such Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant; provided, that, such exercise price is determined in a manner consistent with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code and, if applicable, Section 424(a) of the Code.
6.4 Term. The term of each Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be fixed by the Committee, provided that no Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable more than ten (10) years (or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder, five (5) years) after the date on which the Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, as applicable, is granted.
6.5 Exercisability. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6.5, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. The Committee may, but shall not be required to, provide for an acceleration of vesting and exercisability upon the occurrence of a specified event. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right within the permitted time periods is prohibited because such exercise would violate the registration requirements under the Securities Act or any other Applicable Law or the rules of any securities exchange or interdealer quotation system, the Company’s insider trading policy (including any blackout periods) or a “lock-up” agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of securities by the Company, then the expiration of such Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be extended until the date that is thirty (30) days after the end of the period during which the exercise of the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right would be in violation of such registration requirement or other Applicable Law or rules, blackout period or lock-up agreement, as determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in no event shall any such extension result in any Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right remaining exercisable after the ten (10)-year term of the applicable Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right.
6.6 Method of Exercise. Subject to any applicable waiting period or exercisability provisions under Section 6.5, to the extent vested, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during the term of the applicable Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, by giving written notice of exercise (which may be electronic) to the Company specifying the number of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights, as applicable, being exercised. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full of the exercise price (which shall equal the product of such number of Shares to be purchased multiplied by the applicable exercise price). The exercise price for the Stock Options may be paid upon such terms and conditions as shall be established by the Committee and set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may establish payment terms for the exercise of Stock Options pursuant to which the Company may withhold a number of Shares that otherwise would be issued to the Participant in connection with the exercise of the Stock Option having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price, or that permit the Participant to deliver cash or Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the exercise price on the date of payment, or through a simultaneous sale through a broker of Shares acquired on exercise, all as permitted by Applicable Law. No Shares shall be issued until payment therefor, as provided herein, has been made or provided for. Upon the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right a Participant shall be entitled to receive, for each right exercised, up to, but no more than, an amount in cash and/or Shares (as chosen by the Committee in its sole discretion) equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) Share on the date that the right is exercised over the Fair Market Value of one (1) Share on the date that the right was awarded to the Participant.
6.7 Non-Transferability. No Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be transferable by the Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion, at the time of grant or thereafter that a Non-Qualified Stock Option that is otherwise not transferable pursuant to this Section 6.7 is transferable to a Family Member of the Participant in whole or in part and in such circumstances, and under such conditions, as specified by the Committee. A Non-Qualified Stock Option that is transferred to a Family Member pursuant to the preceding sentence (a) may not be subsequently transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and (b) remains subject to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement. Any Shares acquired upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option by a permissible transferee of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or a permissible transferee pursuant to a transfer after the exercise of the Non-Qualified Stock Option shall be subject to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement.
6.8 Termination. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, subject to the provisions of the applicable Award Agreement and this Plan, upon a Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may remain exercisable following a Participant’s Termination of Service as follows:
(a) Termination by Death or Disability. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement, or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service is by reason of death or Disability, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participant’s Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant (or in the case of the Participant’s death, by the legal representative of the Participant’s estate) at any time within a period of one (1) year from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights; provided, however, that, in the event of a Participant’s Termination of Service by reason of Disability, if the Participant dies within such exercise period, all unexercised Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant shall thereafter be exercisable, to the extent to which they were exercisable at the time of death, for a period of one (1) year from the date of such death, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(b) Involuntary Termination Without Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service is by involuntary termination by the Company without Cause, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participant’s Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant at any time within a period of ninety (90) days from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(c) Voluntary Resignation. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service is voluntary (other than a voluntary termination described in Section 6.8(d) hereof), all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are held by such Participant that are vested and exercisable at the time of the Participant’s Termination of Service may be exercised by the Participant at any time within a period of ninety (90) days from the date of such Termination of Service, but in no event beyond the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
(d) Termination for Cause. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at the time of grant, or if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, if a Participant’s Termination of Service (i) is for Cause or (ii) is a voluntary Termination of Service (as provided in Section 6.8(c)) after the occurrence of an event that would be grounds for a Termination of Service for Cause, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, whether vested or not vested, that are held by such Participant shall thereupon immediately terminate and expire as of the date of such Termination of Service.
(e) Unvested Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at the time of grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are not vested as of the date of a Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason shall terminate and expire as of the date of such Termination of Service.
(f) Incentive Stock Option Limitations. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time of grant) of the Shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by an Eligible Employee during any calendar year under this Plan and/or any other stock option plan of the Company or any Subsidiary exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options. In addition, if an Eligible Employee does not remain employed by the Company or any Subsidiary at all times from the time an Incentive Stock Option is granted until three (3) months prior to the date of exercise thereof (or such other period as required by Applicable Law), such Stock Option shall be treated as a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Should any provision of this Plan not be necessary in order for the Stock Options to qualify as Incentive Stock Options, or should any additional provisions be required, the Committee may amend this Plan accordingly, without the necessity of obtaining the approval of the stockholders of the Company.
(g) Modification, Extension and Renewal of Stock Options. The Committee may (i) modify, extend, or renew outstanding Stock Options granted under this Plan (provided that the rights of a Participant are not reduced without such Participant’s consent and provided, further that such action does not subject the Stock Options to Section 409A of the Code without the consent of the Participant), and (ii) accept the surrender of outstanding Stock Options (to the extent not theretofore exercised) and authorize the granting of new Stock Options in substitution therefor (to the extent not theretofore exercised).
6.9 Automatic Exercise. The Committee may include a provision in an Award Agreement providing for the automatic exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right on a cashless basis on the last day of the term of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right if the Participant has failed to exercise the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right as of such date, with respect to which the Fair Market Value of the Shares underlying the Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right exceeds the exercise price of such Non-Qualified Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right on the date of expiration of such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, subject to Section 13.4.
6.10 Dividends. No dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights shall be granted with respect to Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.
6.11 Other Terms and Conditions. As the Committee shall deem appropriate, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may be subject to additional terms and conditions or other provisions, which shall not be inconsistent with any of the terms of this Plan.
ARTICLE VII
RESTRICTED STOCK; RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
7.1 Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. The Committee shall determine the Eligible Individuals to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units shall be made, the number of shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units to be awarded, the price (if any) to be paid by the Participant (subject to Section 7.2), the time or times within which such Awards may be subject to forfeiture, the vesting schedule and rights to acceleration thereof, and all other terms and conditions of the Awards. The Committee shall determine and set forth in the Award Agreement the terms and conditions for each Award of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units, subject to the conditions and limitations contained in this Plan, including any vesting or forfeiture conditions.
The Committee may condition the grant or vesting of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals or such other factor as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion.
7.2 Awards and Certificates. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted under this Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be in such form and contain such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Restricted Stock.
(i) Purchase Price. The purchase price of Restricted Stock shall be fixed by the Committee. The purchase price for shares of Restricted Stock may be zero to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, and, to the extent not so permitted, such purchase price may not be less than par value.
(ii) Legend. Each Participant receiving Restricted Stock shall be issued a stock certificate in respect of such shares of Restricted Stock, unless the Committee elects to use another system, such as book entries by the Company’s transfer agent, as evidencing ownership of shares of Restricted Stock. Such certificate shall be registered in the name of such Participant, and shall, in addition to such legends required by Applicable Law, bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock.
(iii) Custody. If stock certificates are issued in respect of shares of Restricted Stock, the Committee may require that any stock certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody by the Company until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any grant of Restricted Stock, the Participant shall have delivered a duly signed stock power or other instruments of assignment (including a power of attorney), each endorsed in blank with a guarantee of signature if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company, which would permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the shares subject to the Award of Restricted Stock in the event that such Award is forfeited in whole or part.
(iv) Rights as a Stockholder. Except as provided in Section 7.3(a) and this Section 7.2(a) or as otherwise determined by the Committee in an Award Agreement, the Participant shall have, with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a holder of Shares, including, without limitation, the right to receive dividends, the right to vote such shares, and, subject to and conditioned upon the full vesting of shares of Restricted Stock, the right to tender such shares; provided that the Award Agreement shall specify on what terms and conditions the applicable Participant shall be entitled to dividends payable on the Shares.
(v) Lapse of Restrictions. If and when the Restriction Period expires without a prior forfeiture of the Restricted Stock, the certificates for such Shares shall be delivered to the Participant. All legends shall be removed from said certificates at the time of delivery to the Participant, except as otherwise required by Applicable Law or other limitations imposed by the Committee.
(b) Restricted Stock Units.
(i) Settlement. The Committee may provide that settlement of Restricted Stock Units will occur upon or as soon as reasonably practical after the Restricted Stock Units vest or will instead be deferred, on a mandatory basis or at the Participant’s election, in a manner intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code.
(ii) Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant will have no rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares subject to any Restricted Stock Unit unless and until Shares are delivered in settlement of the Restricted Stock Units.
(iii) Dividend Equivalent Rights. If the Committee so provides, a grant of Restricted Stock Units may provide a Participant with the right to receive Dividend Equivalent Rights. Dividend Equivalent Rights may be paid currently or credited to an account for the Participant, settled in cash or Shares, and subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Restricted Stock Units with respect to which the Dividend Equivalent Rights are granted and subject to other terms and conditions as set forth in the Award Agreement.
7.3 Restrictions and Conditions.
(a) Restriction Period.
(i) The Participant shall not be permitted to transfer shares of Restricted Stock awarded under this Plan or vest in Restricted Stock Units during the period or periods set by the Committee (the “Restriction Period”) commencing on the date of such Award, as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and such agreement shall set forth a vesting schedule and any event that would accelerate vesting of the Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units. Within these limits, based on service, attainment of Performance Goals pursuant to Section 7.3(a)(i), and/or such other factors or criteria as the Committee may determine in its sole discretion, the Committee may condition the grant or provide for the lapse of such restrictions in installments in whole or in part, or may accelerate the vesting of all or any part of any Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units and/or waive the deferral limitations for all or any part of any Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units.
(ii) If the grant of shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or the lapse of restrictions or vesting schedule is based on the attainment of Performance Goals, the Committee shall establish the objective Performance Goals and the applicable vesting percentage applicable to each Participant or class of Participants in the applicable Award Agreement prior to the beginning of the applicable fiscal year or at such later date as otherwise determined by the Committee and while the outcome of the Performance Goals are substantially uncertain. Such Performance Goals may incorporate provisions for disregarding (or adjusting for) changes in accounting methods, corporate transactions (including, without limitation, dispositions and acquisitions), and other similar types of events or circumstances.
(b) Termination. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or determined by the Committee at grant or, if no rights of the Participant are reduced, thereafter, upon a Participant’s Termination of Service for any reason during the relevant Restriction Period, all Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units still subject to restriction will be forfeited in accordance with the terms and conditions established by the Committee at grant or thereafter.
ARTICLE VIII
PERFORMANCE AWARDS
The Committee may grant a Performance Award to a Participant payable upon the attainment of specific Performance Goals either alone or in addition to other Awards granted under this Plan. The Performance Goals to be achieved during the Performance Period and the length of the Performance Period shall be determined by the Committee upon the grant of each Performance Award. The conditions for grant or vesting and the other provisions of Performance Awards (including, without limitation, any applicable Performance Goals) need not be the same with respect to each Participant. Performance Awards may be paid in cash, Shares, other property, or any combination thereof, in the sole discretion of the Committee as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
OTHER STOCK-BASED AND CASH AWARDS
9.1 Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant to Eligible Individuals Other Stock-Based Awards that are payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to Shares, including but not limited to, Shares awarded purely as a bonus and not subject to restrictions or conditions, Shares in payment of the amounts due under an incentive or performance plan sponsored or maintained by the Company, stock equivalent units, and Awards valued by reference to the book value of Shares. Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted either alone or in addition to or in tandem with other Awards granted under this Plan.
Subject to the provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have authority to determine the Eligible Individuals, to whom, and the time or times at which, such Other Stock-Based Awards shall be made, the number of Shares to be awarded pursuant to such Awards, and all other conditions of the Awards. The Committee may also provide for the grant of Shares under such Awards upon the completion of a specified Performance Period. The Committee may condition the grant or vesting of Other Stock-Based Awards upon the attainment of specified Performance Goals as the Committee may determine, in its sole discretion.
9.2 Terms and Conditions. Other Stock-Based Awards made pursuant to this Article IX shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and subject to the following terms and conditions and shall be in such form and contain such additional terms and conditions not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan, as the Committee shall deem desirable:
(a) Non-Transferability. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Award Agreement and this Plan, Shares subject to Other Stock-Based Awards may not be transferred prior to the date on which the Shares are issued or, if later, the date on which any applicable restriction, performance, or deferral period lapses.
(b) Dividends. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at the time of the grant of an Other Stock-Based Award, subject to the provisions of the Award Agreement and this Plan, the recipient of an Other Stock-Based Award shall not be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights in respect of the number of Shares covered by the Other Stock-Based Award.
(c) Vesting. Any Other Stock-Based Award and any Shares covered by any such Other Stock-Based Award shall vest or be forfeited to the extent so provided in the Award Agreement, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
(d) Price. Shares under this Article IX may be issued for no cash consideration. Shares purchased pursuant to a purchase right awarded pursuant to an Other Stock-Based Award shall be priced, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
9.3 Cash Awards. The Committee may from time to time grant Cash Awards to Eligible Individuals in such amounts, on such terms and conditions, and for such consideration, including no consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by Applicable Law, as it shall determine in its sole discretion. Cash Awards may be granted subject to the satisfaction of vesting conditions or may be awarded purely as a bonus and not subject to restrictions or conditions, and if subject to vesting conditions, the Committee may accelerate the vesting of such Awards at any time in its sole discretion. The grant of a Cash Award shall not require a segregation of any of the Company’s assets for satisfaction of the Company’s payment obligation thereunder.
ARTICLE X
CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS
10.1 Benefits. In the event of a Change in Control of the Company, and except as otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or any applicable employment agreement, offer letter, consulting agreement, change in control agreement, or similar agreement in effect between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant, a Participant’s unvested Awards shall not vest automatically and a Participant’s Awards shall be treated in accordance with one or more of the following methods as determined by the Committee:
(a) Awards, whether or not then vested, shall be continued, be assumed, or have new rights substituted therefor, as determined by the Committee in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and restrictions to which shares of Restricted Stock or any other Award granted prior to the Change in Control are subject shall not lapse upon a Change in Control and the Restricted Stock or other Award shall, where appropriate in the sole discretion of the Committee, receive the same distribution as other Shares on such terms as determined by the Committee; provided that the Committee may decide to award additional Restricted Stock or other Awards in lieu of any cash distribution. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of Incentive Stock Options, any assumed or substituted Stock Option shall comply with the requirements of Treasury Regulation Section 1.424-1 (and any amendment thereto).
(b) The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for the purchase of any Awards by the Company for an amount of cash equal to the excess (if any) of the Change in Control Price of the Shares covered by such Awards, over the aggregate exercise price of such Awards; provided, however, that if the exercise price of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right exceeds the Change in Control Price, such Award may be cancelled for no consideration.
(c) The Committee may, in its sole discretion, terminate all outstanding and unexercised Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, or any Other Stock-Based Award that provides for a Participant-elected exercise, effective as of the date of the Change in Control, by delivering notice of termination to each Participant at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of consummation of the Change in Control, in which case during the period from the date on which such notice of termination is delivered to the consummation of the Change in Control, each such Participant shall have the right to exercise in full all of such Participant’s Awards that are then outstanding (without regard to any limitations on exercisability otherwise contained in the Award Agreements), but any such exercise shall be contingent on the occurrence of the Change in Control, and, provided that, if the Change in Control does not take place within a specified period after giving such notice for any reason whatsoever, the notice and exercise pursuant thereto shall be null and void.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for accelerated vesting or lapse of restrictions, of an Award at any time.
ARTICLE XI
TERMINATION OR AMENDMENT OF PLAN
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, the Board or the Committee may at any time, and from time to time, amend, in whole or in part, any or all of the provisions of this Plan (including any amendment deemed necessary to ensure that the Company may comply with any Applicable Law), or suspend or terminate it entirely, retroactively or otherwise; provided, however, that, unless otherwise required by Applicable Law or specifically provided herein, the rights of a Participant with respect to Awards granted prior to such amendment, suspension, or termination may not be materially impaired without the consent of such Participant and, provided, further, that without the approval of the holders of the Shares entitled to vote in accordance with Applicable Law, no amendment may be made that would (a) increase the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under this Plan (except by operation of Section 4.1); or (b) change the classification of individuals eligible to receive Awards under this Plan. In addition, the Board or the Committee shall, without the approval of the holders of the Shares entitled to vote in accordance with Applicable Law, have the authority to (i) amend any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right to reduce its exercise price per Share or (ii) cancel any Option or Stock Appreciation Right in exchange for cash or another Award. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Board or the Committee may amend this Plan or any Award Agreement at any time without a Participant’s consent to comply with Applicable Law, including Section 409A of the Code. The Committee may amend the terms of any Award theretofore granted, prospectively or retroactively, but, subject to Article IV or as otherwise specifically provided herein, no such amendment or other action by the Committee shall materially impair the rights of any Participant without the Participant’s consent.
ARTICLE XII
UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN
This Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payment as to which a Participant has a fixed and vested interest but which is not yet made to a Participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give any such Participant any right that is greater than those of a general unsecured creditor of the Company.
ARTICLE XIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
13.1 Lock-Up; Legend. The Committee may require each person receiving Shares pursuant to a Stock Option or other Award under this Plan to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that the Participant is acquiring the Shares without a view to distribution thereof. The Company may, in connection with registering the offering of any Company securities under the Securities Act, prohibit Participants from, directly or indirectly, selling or otherwise transferring any Shares or other Company securities during any period determined by the underwriter or the Company. In addition to any legend required by this Plan, the certificates for such Shares may include any legend that the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer. All certificates for Shares delivered under this Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules, regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the Common Stock is then listed or any national securities exchange system upon whose system the Common Stock is then quoted, and any Applicable Law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions. If the Shares are held in book-entry form, then the book-entry will indicate any restrictions on such Shares.
13.2 Other Plans. Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to stockholder approval if such approval is required, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
13.3 No Right to Employment/Directorship/Consultancy. Neither this Plan nor the grant of any Award hereunder shall give any Participant or other employee, Consultant or Non-Employee Director any right with respect to continuance of employment, consultancy or directorship by the Company or any Affiliate, nor shall there be a limitation in any way on the right of the Company or any Affiliate by which an employee is employed or a Consultant or Non-Employee Director is retained to terminate such employment, consultancy, or directorship at any time.
13.4 Withholding of Taxes. A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or one of its Affiliates, as applicable, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any income tax, social insurance contribution or other applicable taxes that are required to be withheld in respect of an Award. The Committee may (but is not obligated to), in its sole discretion, permit or require a Participant to satisfy all or any portion of the applicable taxes that are required to be withheld with respect to an Award by (a) the delivery of Shares (which are not subject to any pledge or other security interest) that have been both held by the Participant and vested for at least six (6) months (or such other period as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment under applicable accounting standards) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such withholding liability (or portion thereof); (b) having the Company withhold from the Shares otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, the Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting, or settlement of the Award, as applicable, a number of Shares with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such withholding liability; or (c) by any other means specified in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee.
13.5 Fractional Shares. No fractional Shares shall be issued or delivered pursuant to this Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash, additional Awards, or other securities or property shall be used or paid in lieu of fractional Shares or whether any fractional shares should be rounded, forfeited, or otherwise eliminated.
13.6 No Assignment of Benefits. No Award or other benefit payable under this Plan shall, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Plan or under Applicable Law or permitted by the Committee, be transferable in any manner, and any attempt to transfer any such benefit shall be void, and any such benefit shall not in any manner be liable for or subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements, or torts of any person who shall be entitled to such benefit, nor shall it be subject to attachment or legal process for or against such person.
13.7 Clawbacks; Detrimental Conduct.
(a) Clawbacks. All awards, amounts, or benefits received or outstanding under this Plan will be subject to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, reduction, or other similar action in accordance with any Company clawback or similar policy or any Applicable Law related to such actions. A Participant’s acceptance of an Award will constitute the Participant’s acknowledgement of and consent to the Company’s application, implementation, and enforcement of any applicable Company clawback or similar policy that may apply to the Participant, whether adopted before or after the Effective Date, and any Applicable Law relating to clawback, cancellation, recoupment, rescission, payback, or reduction of compensation, and the Participant’s agreement that the Company may take any actions that may be necessary to effectuate any such policy or Applicable Law, without further consideration or action.
(b) Detrimental Conduct. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, notwithstanding any other term or condition of this Plan, if a Participant engages in Detrimental Conduct, whether during or after the Participant’s service, in addition to any other penalties or restrictions that may apply under this Plan, Applicable Law or otherwise, the Participant must forfeit or pay to the Company the following:
(i) any and all outstanding Awards granted to the Participant, including Awards that have become vested or exercisable;
(ii) any cash or Shares received by the Participant in connection with this Plan within the 12-month period immediately before the date the Company determines the Participant has engaged in Detrimental Conduct; and
(iii) the profit realized by the Participant from the sale, or other disposition for consideration, of any Shares received by the Participant under this Plan within the 36-month period immediately before the date the Company determines the Participant has engaged in Detrimental Conduct.
13.8 Listing and Other Conditions.
(a) Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, as long as the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange or system sponsored by a national securities association, the issuance of Shares pursuant to an Award shall be conditioned upon such Shares being listed on such exchange or system. The Company shall have no obligation to issue such Shares unless and until such Shares are so listed, and the right to exercise any Option or other Award with respect to such Shares shall be suspended until such listing has been effected.
(b) If at any time counsel to the Company advises the Company that any sale or delivery of Shares pursuant to an Award is or may in the circumstances be unlawful or result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company under Applicable Law, the Company shall have no obligation to make such sale or delivery, or to make any application or to effect or to maintain any qualification or registration under the Securities Act or otherwise, with respect to Shares or Awards, and the right to exercise any Option or other Award shall be suspended until, based on the advice of said counsel, such sale or delivery shall be lawful or will not result in the imposition of excise taxes on the Company.
(c) Upon termination of any period of suspension under this Section 13.8, any Award affected by such suspension which shall not then have expired or terminated shall be reinstated as to all Shares available before such suspension and as to Shares which would otherwise have become available during the period of such suspension, but no such suspension shall extend the term of any Award.
(d) A Participant shall be required to supply the Company with certificates, representations, and information that the Company requests and otherwise cooperate with the Company in obtaining any listing, registration, qualification, exemption, consent, or approval that the Company deems necessary or appropriate.
13.9 Governing Law. This Plan and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
13.10 Construction. Wherever any words are used in this Plan in the masculine gender they shall be construed as though they were also used in the feminine gender in all cases where they would so apply, and wherever words are used herein in the singular form they shall be construed as though they were also used in the plural form in all cases where they would so apply.
13.11 Other Benefits. No Award granted or paid out under this Plan shall be deemed compensation for purposes of computing benefits under any retirement plan of the Company or its Affiliates or affect any benefit or compensation under any other plan now or subsequently in effect under which the availability or amount of benefits is related to the level of compensation.
13.12 Costs. The Company shall bear all expenses associated with administering this Plan, including expenses of issuing Shares pursuant to Awards hereunder.
13.13 No Right to Same Benefits. The provisions of Awards need not be the same with respect to each Participant, and such Awards to individual Participants need not be the same in subsequent years.
13.14 Death/Disability. The Committee may in its discretion require the transferee of a Participant to supply it with written notice of the Participant’s death or Disability and to supply it with a copy of the will (in the case of the Participant’s death) or such other evidence as the Committee deems necessary to establish the validity of the transfer of an Award. The Committee may also require the agreement of the transferee to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of this Plan.
13.15 Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. It is the intent of the Company that this Plan satisfy, and be interpreted in a manner that satisfies, the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 as promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act so that Participants will be entitled to the benefit of Rule 16b-3, or any other rule promulgated under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, and will not be subject to short-swing liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. Accordingly, if the operation of any provision of this Plan would conflict with the intent expressed in this Section 13.15, such provision to the extent possible shall be interpreted and/or deemed amended so as to avoid such conflict.
13.16 Deferral of Awards. The Committee may establish one or more programs under this Plan to permit selected Participants the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of an Award, satisfaction of performance criteria, or other event that absent the election would entitle the Participant to payment or receipt of Shares or other consideration under an Award. The Committee may establish the election procedures, the timing of such elections, the mechanisms for payments of, and accrual of interest or other earnings, if any, on amounts, Shares or other consideration so deferred, and such other terms, conditions, rules, and procedures that the Committee deems advisable for the administration of any such deferral program.
13.17 Section 409A of the Code. This Plan and Awards are intended to comply with or be exempt from the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code and shall be limited, construed, and interpreted in accordance with such intent. To the extent that any Award is subject to Section 409A of the Code, it shall be paid in a manner that will comply with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any provision in this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 409A of the Code shall be deemed to be amended to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Code and, to the extent such provision cannot be amended to comply therewith or be exempt therefrom, such provision shall be null and void. The Company shall have no liability to a Participant, or any other party, if an Award that is intended to be exempt from, or compliant with, Section 409A of the Code is not so exempt or compliant or for any action taken by the Committee or the Company and, in the event that any amount or benefit under this Plan becomes subject to penalties under Section 409A of the Code, responsibility for payment of such penalties shall rest solely with the affected Participants and not with the Company. Notwithstanding any contrary provision in this Plan or Award Agreement, any payment(s) of “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) that are otherwise required to be made under this Plan to a “specified employee” (as defined under Section 409A of the Code) as a result of such employee’s separation from service (other than a payment that is not subject to Section 409A of the Code) shall be delayed for the first six (6) months following such separation from service (or, if earlier, until the date of death of the specified employee) and shall instead be paid (in a manner set forth in the Award Agreement) upon expiration of such delay period.
13.18 Data Privacy. As a condition of receipt of any Award, each Participant explicitly and unambiguously consents to the collection, use, and transfer, in electronic or other form, of personal data as described in this Section 13.18 by and among, as applicable, the Company and its Affiliates, for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering, and managing this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. In furtherance of such implementation, administration, and management, the Company and its Affiliates may hold certain personal information about a Participant, including, but not limited to, the Participant’s name, home address, telephone number, date of birth, social security or insurance number or other identification number, salary, nationality, job title(s), information regarding any securities of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and details of all Awards (the “Data”). In addition to transferring the Data amongst themselves as necessary for the purpose of implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan, the Company and its Affiliates may each transfer the Data to any third parties assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. Recipients of the Data may be located in the Participant’s country or elsewhere, and the Participant’s country and any given recipient’s country may have different data privacy laws and protections. By accepting an Award, each Participant authorizes such recipients to receive, possess, use, retain, and transfer the Data, in electronic or other form, for the purposes of assisting the Company in the implementation, administration, and management of this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan, including any requisite transfer of such Data as may be required to a broker or other third party with whom the Company or the Participant may elect to deposit any shares of Common Stock. The Data related to a Participant will be held only as long as is necessary to implement, administer, and manage this Plan and Awards and the Participant’s participation in this Plan. A Participant may, at any time, view the Data held by the Company with respect to such Participant, request additional information about the storage and processing of the Data with respect to such Participant, recommend any necessary corrections to the Data with respect to the Participant, or refuse or withdraw the consents herein in writing, in any case without cost, by contacting his or her local human resources representative. The Company may cancel the Participant’s eligibility to participate in this Plan, and in the Committee’s discretion, the Participant may forfeit any outstanding Awards if the Participant refuses or withdraws the consents described herein. For more information on the consequences of refusal to consent or withdrawal of consent, Participants may contact their local human resources representative.
13.19 Successor and Assigns. This Plan shall be binding on all successors and permitted assigns of a Participant, including, without limitation, the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator, or trustee of such estate.
13.20 Severability of Provisions. If any provision of this Plan shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included.
13.21 Headings and Captions. The headings and captions herein are provided for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of this Plan, and shall not be employed in the construction of this Plan.
ARTICLE XIV
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
This Plan shall become effective on July 10, 2025, which is the date of its adoption by the Board, subject to the approval of this Plan by the stockholders of the Company in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of Delaware.
ARTICLE XV
TERM OF PLAN
No Award shall be granted pursuant to this Plan on or after the tenth (10th) anniversary of the earlier of the date that this Plan is adopted by the Board or the date of stockholder approval, but Awards granted prior to such tenth (10th) anniversary may extend beyond that date.
Exhibit 10.7
FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.
2025 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
ARTICLE I.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Firefly Aerospace Inc. 2025 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (as it may be amended or restated from time to time, this “Plan”) is to assist Eligible Employees of Firefly Aerospace Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and its Designated Subsidiaries in acquiring a stock ownership interest in the Company. This Plan consists of two components: (i) the Section 423 Component and (ii) the Non-Section 423 Component. The Section 423 Component is intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code and shall be administered, interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code. The Non-Section 423 Component authorizes the grant of rights which need not qualify as rights granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code. Rights granted under the Non-Section 423 Component shall be granted pursuant to separate Offerings containing such sub-plans, appendices, rules or procedures as may be adopted by the Administrator and designed to achieve tax, securities laws or other objectives for Eligible Employees and Designated Subsidiaries, but shall not be intended to qualify as an “employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Code.
ARTICLE II.
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
Wherever the following terms are used in this Plan they shall have the meanings specified below, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
2.1 “Administrator” means the entity that conducts the general administration of this Plan as provided in Article XI. The term “Administrator” shall refer to the Committee unless the Board has assumed the authority for administration of this Plan as provided in Article XI.
2.2 “Applicable Law” means the requirements relating to the administration of equity incentive plans under U.S. federal and state securities, tax and other applicable laws, rules and regulations, the applicable rules of any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted, and the applicable laws and rules of any foreign country or other jurisdiction where rights under this Plan are granted.
2.3 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.4 “Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. Any reference to any section of the Code shall also be a reference to any successor provision and any guidance and treasury regulation promulgated thereunder.
2.5 “Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, of the Company.
2.6 “Compensation” of an Eligible Employee means the gross cash compensation received by such Eligible Employee as compensation for services to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary, including prior week adjustment and overtime payments, but excluding any commissions and periodic bonuses, vacation pay, holiday pay, jury duty pay, funeral leave pay, military leave pay, one-time bonuses (e.g., retention or sign on bonuses), education or tuition reimbursements, travel expenses, business and moving reimbursements, income received in connection with any stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other compensatory equity awards, fringe benefits, other special payments and all contributions made by the Company or any Designated Subsidiary for the Employee’s benefit under any employee benefit plan now or hereafter established.
2.7 “Designated Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary designated by the Administrator in accordance with Section 11.2(b).
2.8 “Effective Date” means the date this Plan is adopted by the Board.
2.9 “Eligible Employee” means:
(a) an Employee who does not, immediately after any rights under this Plan are granted, own (directly or through attribution) stock possessing 5% or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of Shares and other securities of the Company or a Subsidiary (as determined under Section 423(b)(3) of the Code). For purposes of the foregoing, the rules of Section 424(d) of the Code with regard to the attribution of stock ownership shall apply in determining the stock ownership of an individual, and stock that an Employee may purchase under outstanding options shall be treated as stock owned by the Employee.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may provide in an Offering Document that an Employee shall not be eligible to participate in an Offering Period under the Section 423 Component if: (i) such Employee is a highly compensated employee within the meaning of Section 423(b)(4)(D) of the Code; (ii) such Employee has not met a service requirement designated by the Administrator pursuant to Section 423(b)(4)(A) of the Code (which service requirement may not exceed two years); (iii) such Employee’s customary employment is for 20 hours per week or less; (iv) such Employee’s customary employment is for less than five months in any calendar year; and/or (v) such Employee is a citizen or resident of a foreign jurisdiction and the grant of a right to purchase Shares under this Plan to such Employee would be prohibited under the laws of such foreign jurisdiction or the grant of a right to purchase Shares under this Plan to such Employee in compliance with the laws of such foreign jurisdiction would cause this Plan to violate the requirements of Section 423 of the Code, as determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion. Any exclusion in clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of this Section 2.9(b) shall be applied in an identical manner under each Offering Period to all Employees, in accordance with Treasury Regulation § 1.423-2(e).
(c) Further notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, the first sentence in this definition shall apply in determining who is an “Eligible Employee,” except (i) the Administrator may limit eligibility further within the Company or a Designated Subsidiary so as to only designate some Employees of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary as Eligible Employees, and (ii) to the extent the restrictions in the first sentence in this definition are not consistent with applicable local laws, the applicable local laws shall control.
2.10 “Employee” means, (a) with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, any individual who renders services to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary in the status of an employee, and (b) with respect to the Section 423 Component, a person who is an employee within the meaning of Section 3401(c) of the Code. For purposes of an individual’s participation in, or other rights under this Plan, all determinations by the Company shall be final, binding, and conclusive, notwithstanding that any court of law or governmental agency subsequently makes a contrary determination. For purposes of this Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company or Designated Subsidiary and meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulations § 1.421-1(h)(2). Where the period of leave exceeds three months and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the first day immediately following such three-month period.
2.11 “Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period, unless otherwise specified in the Offering Document.
2.12 “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. Reference to a specific section of the Exchange Act or regulation thereunder shall include such section or regulation, any valid regulation or interpretation promulgated under such section, and any comparable provision of any future legislation or regulation amending, supplementing, or superseding such section or regulation.
2.13 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of a Share determined as follows: (a) if the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, its Fair Market Value will be the closing sales price for such Common Stock as quoted on such exchange for such date, or if no sale occurred on such date, the last day preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; (b) if the Common Stock is not traded on a stock exchange but is quoted on a national market or other quotation system, the closing sales price on such date, or if no sales occurred on such date, then on the last date preceding such date during which a sale occurred, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or another source the Administrator deems reliable; or (c) without an established market for the Common Stock, the Administrator will determine the Fair Market Value in good faith in its sole discretion.
2.14 “Non-Section 423 Component” means those Offerings under this Plan, together with the sub-plans, appendices, rules or procedures, if any, adopted by the Administrator as a part of this Plan, in each case, pursuant to which rights to purchase Shares during an Offering Period may be granted to Eligible Employees that need not satisfy the requirements for rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code.
2.15 “Offering” means an offer under this Plan of a right to purchase Shares that may be exercised during an Offering Period as further described in Article VI. Unless otherwise specified by the Administrator, each Offering to the Eligible Employees of the Company or a Designated Subsidiary shall be deemed a separate Offering, even if the dates and other terms of the applicable Offering Periods of each such Offering are identical, and the provisions of this Plan will separately apply to each Offering. To the extent permitted by Treasury Regulations § 1.423-2(a)(1), the terms of each separate Offering under the Section 423 Component need not be identical, provided that the terms of the Section 423 Component and an Offering thereunder together satisfy Treasury Regulations § 1.423-2(a)(2) and (a)(3).
2.16 “Offering Document” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1.
2.17 “Offering Period” has the meaning given to such term in Section 4.1.
2.18 “Participant” means any Eligible Employee who has executed a subscription agreement and been granted rights to purchase Common Stock pursuant to this Plan.
2.19 “Purchase Date” means the last Trading Day of each Purchase Period, unless otherwise specified in the Offering Document.
2.20 “Purchase Period” means one or more periods within an Offering Period, as designated in the applicable Offering Document; provided, however, that, in the event no Purchase Period is designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document, the Purchase Period for each Offering Period covered by such Offering Document shall be the same as the applicable Offering Period.
2.21 “Purchase Price” means the purchase price designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which purchase price, for purposes of the Section 423 Component, shall not be less than 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Enrollment Date or on the Purchase Date, whichever is lower); provided, however, that, in the event no purchase price is designated by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document, the purchase price for the Offering Periods covered by such Offering Document shall be 85% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the Enrollment Date or on the Purchase Date, whichever is lower; and provided, further, that the Purchase Price may be adjusted by the Administrator pursuant to Article VIII and shall not be less than the par value of a Share.
2.22 “Section 409A” means the nonqualified deferred compensation rules under Section 409A of the Code and any applicable Treasury Regulations and other official guidance thereunder.
2.23 “Section 423 Component” means those Offerings under this Plan, together with the sub-plans, appendices, rules, or procedures, if any, adopted by the Administrator as a part of this Plan, in each case, pursuant to which rights to purchase Shares during an Offering Period may be granted to Eligible Employees that are intended to satisfy the requirements for rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code.
2.24 “Share” means a share of Common Stock.
2.25 “Subsidiary” means any corporation, other than the Company, in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if, at the time of the determination, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in an unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain; provided, however, that a limited liability company or partnership may be treated as a Subsidiary to the extent either (a) such entity is treated as a disregarded entity under Treasury Regulations § 301.7701-3(a) by reason of the Company or any other Subsidiary that is a corporation being the sole owner of such entity, or (b) such entity elects to be classified as a corporation under Treasury Regulations § 301.7701-3(a) and such entity would otherwise qualify as a Subsidiary. In addition, with respect to the Non-Section 423 Component, Subsidiary shall include any corporate or non-corporate entity in which the Company has a direct or indirect equity interest or significant business relationship.
2.26 “Trading Day” means a day on which national stock exchanges in the United States are open for trading.
ARTICLE III.
SHARES SUBJECT TO THIS PLAN
3.1 Number of Shares. Subject to Article VIII, the aggregate number of Shares that may be issued pursuant to rights granted under this Plan shall be 3,215,000 Shares. In addition to the foregoing, subject to Article VIII, on the first day of each calendar year beginning on and including January 1, 2026 and ending on and including January 1, 2035, the number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan shall be increased by the number of Shares equal to the lesser of (a) 1% of the number of Shares outstanding on the final day of the immediately preceding calendar year, (b) such smaller number of Shares as determined by the Board and (c) 3,215,000. If any right granted under this Plan shall for any reason terminate without having been exercised, the Shares not purchased under such right shall again become available for issuance under this Plan.
3.2 Stock Distributed. Any Common Stock distributed pursuant to this Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued Common Stock, treasury stock or Common Stock purchased on the open market.
ARTICLE IV.
OFFERING PERIODS; OFFERING DOCUMENTS; PURCHASE DATES
4.1 Offering Periods. The Administrator may from time to time grant, or provide for the grant of, rights to purchase Shares under this Plan to Eligible Employees during one or more periods (each, an “Offering Period”) selected by the Administrator. The terms and conditions applicable to each Offering Period shall be set forth in an “Offering Document” adopted by the Administrator, which Offering Document shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall deem appropriate in its sole discretion. The Administrator shall establish in each Offering Document one or more Purchase Periods during such Offering Period during which rights granted under this Plan shall be exercised and purchases of Shares carried out during such Offering Period shall be made in accordance with such Offering Document and this Plan. Except as otherwise determined by the Administrator or provided herein, the Non-Section 423 Component will operate and be administered in the same manner as the Section 423 Component. Offerings intended to be made under the Non-Section 423 Component will be designated as such by the Administrator at or prior to the time of such Offering.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the terms of separate Offering Periods under this Plan need not be identical. Solely by way of example and without limiting the foregoing, the Company could, but shall not be required to, provide for simultaneous Offerings under the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component of this Plan.
4.2 Offering Documents. Each Offering Document with respect to an Offering Period shall specify (through incorporation of the provisions of this Plan by reference or otherwise):
(a) the length of the Offering Period, which period shall not exceed 27 months;
(b) the length of the Purchase Period(s) within the Offering Period, if applicable; and
(c) such other provisions as the Administrator determines are appropriate, subject to this Plan.
ARTICLE V.
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
5.1 Eligibility. Any Eligible Employee who shall be employed by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary on a given Enrollment Date for an Offering Period shall be eligible to participate in this Plan during such Offering Period, subject to the requirements of this Article V and, for the Section 423 Component, the limitations imposed by Section 423(b) of the Code.
5.2 Enrollment in Plan.
(a) Except as otherwise set forth herein, in an Offering Document or as determined by the Administrator, an Eligible Employee may become a Participant in this Plan for an Offering Period by delivering a subscription agreement to the Company by such time prior to the Enrollment Date for such Offering Period (or such other date specified in the Offering Document) designated by the Administrator and in such form as the Company provides.
(b) Each such subscription agreement shall designate a whole number percentage of such Eligible Employee’s Compensation to be withheld by the Company or the Designated Subsidiary employing such Eligible Employee on each payday during the Offering Period as payroll deductions under this Plan. Such payroll deductions may not be less than the minimum amount specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which shall be 1% in the absence of any such designation) and may not be greater than the maximum amount specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (which shall be 15% in the absence of any such designation). The payroll deductions made for each Participant shall be credited to an account for such Participant under this Plan and shall be deposited with the general funds of the Company.
(c) A Participant may decrease (but not increase) the percentage of Compensation designated in the Participant’s subscription agreement (to as low as zero), subject to the limits of this Section 5.2, at any time during an Offering Period; provided, however, that the Administrator may limit the number of times a Participant may decrease the Participant’s payroll deduction elections during each Offering Period in the applicable Offering Document (and in the absence of any specific designation by the Administrator, a Participant shall be allowed one decrease (but no increases) to the Participant’s payroll deduction elections during each Offering Period with respect to such Offering Period). Any such change of payroll deductions shall be effective with the first full payroll period following 10 business days after the Company’s receipt of the new subscription agreement (or such shorter or longer period as may be specified by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document). If a Participant decreases the Participant’s payroll deductions to zero, such Participant’s cumulative payroll deductions prior to such decrease shall remain in the Participant’s account and shall be applied to the purchase of Shares on the next occurring Purchase Date and shall not be paid to such Participant unless the Participant withdraws from participation in this Plan pursuant to Article VII.
(d) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 5.2 or in an Offering Document, or as determined by the Administrator, a Participant may participate in this Plan only by means of payroll deduction and may not make contributions by lump sum payment for any Offering Period. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Plan to the contrary, in non-U.S.
jurisdictions where participation in this Plan through payroll deductions is prohibited, the Administrator may provide that an Eligible Employee may elect to participate through contributions to the Participant’s account under this Plan in a form acceptable to the Administrator in lieu of or in addition to payroll deductions; provided, however, that, for any Offering under the Section 423 Component, any such alternative method of contribution must comply with the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
5.3 Payroll Deductions. Except as otherwise set forth in Section 5.8 or in an Offering Document, or as determined by the Administrator, payroll deductions for a Participant shall commence on the first payroll following the Enrollment Date and shall end on the last payroll in the Offering Period to which the Participant’s authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Article VII or suspended by the Participant or the Administrator as provided in Sections 5.2 and 5.6, respectively.
5.4 Effect of Enrollment. A Participant’s completion of a subscription agreement will automatically enroll such Participant in this Plan for each subsequent Offering Period on the terms contained therein until the Participant either submits a new subscription agreement, withdraws from participation under this Plan as provided in Article VII or otherwise becomes ineligible to participate in this Plan.
5.5 Limitation on Purchase of Common Stock. An Eligible Employee may be granted rights under the Section 423 Component of this Plan only if such rights, together with any other rights granted to such Eligible Employee under any “employee stock purchase plans” of the Company or any Subsidiary, as specified by Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, do not permit such Eligible Employee’s rights to purchase stock of the Company or any Subsidiary to accrue at a rate that exceeds $25,000 of the Fair Market Value of such stock (determined as of the first day of the Offering Period during which such rights are granted) for each calendar year in which such rights are outstanding at any time. This limitation shall be applied in accordance with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code.
5.6 Suspension of Payroll Deductions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to the Section 423 Component, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, Section 5.5 or the other limitations set forth in this Plan, a Participant’s payroll deductions may be suspended by the Administrator at any time during an Offering Period. The balance of the amount credited to the account of each Participant that has not been applied to the purchase of Shares by reason of Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, Section 5.5 or the other limitations set forth in this Plan shall be paid to such Participant, without interest, in one lump sum in cash as soon as reasonably practicable after the Purchase Date.
5.7 Foreign Employees. To facilitate participation in this Plan, the Administrator may provide for such special terms applicable to Participants who are citizens or residents of a foreign jurisdiction or who are employed by a Designated Subsidiary outside of the United States, as the Administrator may consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom. With respect to the Section 423 Component, such special terms may not be more favorable than the terms of rights granted under this Plan to Eligible Employees who are residents of the United States, and must satisfy the requirements for rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an “employee stock purchase plan” that are set forth under Section 423 of the Code. Moreover, the Administrator may approve such supplements to, or amendments, restatements, or alternative versions of, this Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes without thereby affecting the terms of this Plan as in effect for any other purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such special terms, supplements, amendments or restatements shall include any provisions that are inconsistent with the terms of this Plan as then in effect unless this Plan could have been amended to eliminate such inconsistency without further approval by the stockholders of the Company. Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrator is specifically authorized to adopt rules and procedures, with respect to Participants who are foreign nationals or employed in non-U.S. jurisdictions, regarding the exclusion of particular Subsidiaries from participation in the Plan, eligibility to participate, the definition of Compensation, handling of payroll deductions or other contributions by Participants, payment of interest, conversion of local currency, data privacy security, payroll tax, withholding procedures, and/or establishment of bank or trust accounts to hold payroll deductions or contributions.
5.8 Leave of Absence. During leaves of absence approved by the Company meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulations § 1.421-1(h)(2) under the Code, a Participant may continue participation in this Plan by making cash payments to the Company on the Participant’s normal payday equal to the Participant’s authorized payroll deduction.
ARTICLE VI.
GRANT AND EXERCISE OF RIGHTS
6.1 Grant of Rights. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each Eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period pursuant to the terms of the Plan shall be granted a right to purchase, subject to the maximum number of Shares specified under Section 4.2 and the limits in Section 5.5, on each Purchase Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price), a number of whole Shares determined by dividing (a) such Participant’s payroll deductions accumulated prior to such Purchase Date and retained in the Participant’s account as of the Purchase Date, by (b) the applicable Purchase Price (rounded down to the nearest Share). Such right shall expire on the earliest of: (i) the last Purchase Date of the Offering Period, (ii) the last day of the Offering Period, and (iii) the date on which the Participant withdraws from participation in the Plan in accordance with Section 7.1 or 7.3.
6.2 Exercise of Rights. On each Purchase Date, each Participant’s accumulated payroll deductions and any other additional payments specifically provided for in the applicable Offering Document will be applied to the purchase of whole Shares pursuant to Section 6.1, up to the maximum number of Shares permitted pursuant to the terms of this Plan and the applicable Offering Document, at the Purchase Price. No fractional Shares shall be issued upon the exercise of rights granted under this Plan, unless the Offering Document specifically provides otherwise. Any cash in lieu of fractional Shares remaining after the purchase of whole Shares upon exercise of a purchase right will be carried forward and applied toward the purchase of whole Shares for the immediately subsequent Offering Period. Shares issued pursuant to this Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Administrator may determine and may be issued in certificated form or issued pursuant to book-entry procedures.
6.3 Pro Rata Allocation of Shares. If the Administrator determines that, on a given Purchase Date, the number of Shares with respect to which rights are to be exercised may exceed (a) the number of Shares that were available for issuance under this Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period, or (b) the number of Shares available for issuance under this Plan on such Purchase Date, the Administrator may in its sole discretion provide that the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the Shares available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Purchase Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants for whom rights to purchase Shares are to be exercised pursuant to this Article VI on such Purchase Date, and shall either (i) continue all Offering Periods then in effect or (ii) terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Article IX. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the Shares available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional Shares for issuance under this Plan by the Company’s stockholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date. The balance of the amount credited to the account of each Participant that has not been applied to the purchase of Shares shall be paid to such Participant, without interest, in one lump sum in cash as soon as reasonably practicable after the Purchase Date or such earlier date as determined by the Administrator.
6.4 Withholding. At the time a Participant’s rights under this Plan are exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Shares issued under this Plan are disposed of, the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, that arise upon the exercise of the right or the disposition of the Shares. At any time, the Company may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s compensation the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding obligations, including, without limitation, any withholding required to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Shares by the Participant.
6.5 Conditions to Issuance of Shares. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate
or certificates for, or make any book entries evidencing, Shares purchased upon the exercise of rights under this Plan prior to fulfillment of all of the following conditions:
(a) The admission of such Shares to listing on all stock exchanges, if any, on which the Common Stock is then listed;
(b) The completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any state or federal law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body, that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, deem necessary or advisable; (c) The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any state or federal governmental agency that the Administrator shall, in its absolute discretion, determine to be necessary or advisable;
(d) The payment to the Company of all amounts that it is required to withhold under federal, state or local law upon exercise of the rights, if any; and
(e) The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the exercise of the rights as the Administrator may from time to time establish for reasons of administrative convenience.
ARTICLE VII.
WITHDRAWAL; CESSATION OF ELIGIBILITY
7.1 Withdrawal. A Participant may withdraw during an Offering Period all, but not less than all, of the payroll deductions credited to the Participant’s account and not yet used to exercise the Participant’s rights under this Plan by delivering written notice to the Company in a form acceptable to the Company and at such time prior to the Purchase Date for such Offering Period as may be established by the Administrator in the applicable Offering Document (and in the absence of any specific designation by the Administrator, no later than two weeks prior to the Purchase Date for such Offering Period). All of the Participant’s payroll deductions credited to the Participant’s account during such Offering Period not yet used to exercise the Participant’s rights under this Plan shall be paid to such Participant as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of notice of withdrawal, without interest, and such Participant’s rights for such Offering Period shall be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of Shares shall be made for such Offering Period. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the beginning of the immediately subsequent Offering Period unless the Participant timely delivers to the Company a new subscription agreement pursuant to Section 5.2.
7.2 Future Participation. A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have any effect upon a Participant’s eligibility to participate in any similar plan that may hereafter be adopted by the Company or a Designated Subsidiary, or in any subsequent Offering Periods that commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.
7.3 Cessation of Eligibility. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Eligible Employee for any reason, such Participant shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from this Plan pursuant to this Article VII, and the payroll deductions credited to such Participant’s account during the Offering Period shall be paid, without interest, to such Participant or, in the case of the Participant’s death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under Section 12.4, as soon as reasonably practicable, and such Participant’s rights for the Offering Period shall be automatically terminated. If a Participant transfers employment from the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component to any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component, such transfer shall not be treated as a termination of employment, but the Participant shall immediately cease to participate in the Section 423 Component; any contributions made for the Offering Period in which such transfer occurs shall be transferred to the Non-Section 423 Component, and such Participant shall immediately join the then-current Offering under the Non-Section 423 Component upon the same terms and conditions in effect for the Participant’s participation in the Section 423 Component, except for such modifications otherwise applicable for Participants in such Offering. A Participant who transfers employment from any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Non-Section 423 Component to the Company or any Designated Subsidiary participating in the Section 423 Component shall not be treated as terminating the Participant’s employment and shall remain a Participant in the Non-Section 423 Component until the earlier of (a) the end of the current Offering Period under the Non-Section 423 Component and (b) the Enrollment Date of the first Offering Period in which the Participant is eligible to participate following such transfer. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Administrator may establish different rules to govern transfers of employment between entities participating in the Section 423 Component and the Non-Section 423 Component, consistent with the applicable requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
ARTICLE VIII.
ADJUSTMENTS UPON CHANGES IN STOCK
8.1 Changes in Capitalization. Subject to Section 8.3, if the Administrator determines that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Common Stock, other securities, or other property), change in control, reorganization, merger, amalgamation, consolidation, combination, repurchase, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, or sale, transfer, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or sale or exchange of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event, as determined by the Administrator, affects the Common Stock such that an adjustment is determined by the Administrator to be appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended by the Company to be made available under this Plan or with respect to any outstanding purchase rights under this Plan, the Administrator shall make equitable adjustments, if any, to reflect such change with respect to (a) the aggregate number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) that may be issued under this Plan (including, but not limited to, adjustments of the limitations in Section 3.1 and the limitations established pursuant to Section 4.2 (as may be modified by the Offering Document) on the maximum number of Shares that may be purchased); (b) the class(es) and number of Shares and price per Share subject to outstanding rights; and (c) the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding rights.
8.2 Other Adjustments. Subject to Section 8.3, in the event of any transaction or event described in Section 8.1 or any unusual or nonrecurring transactions or events affecting the Company, any affiliate of the Company, or the financial statements of the Company or any affiliate, or of changes in Applicable Law or accounting principles, the Administrator, in its discretion, and on such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate, is hereby authorized to take any one or more of the following actions whenever the Administrator determines that such action is appropriate to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan or with respect to any right under this Plan, to facilitate such transactions or events or to give effect to such changes in laws, regulations or principles:
(a) To provide for either (i) the termination of any outstanding right to purchase Shares granted under this Plan in exchange for an amount of cash, if any, equal to the amount that would have been obtained upon the exercise of such right had such right been currently exercisable or (ii) the replacement of such outstanding right with other rights or property selected by the Administrator in its sole discretion;
(b) To provide that the outstanding rights to purchase Shares granted under this Plan shall be assumed by the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, or shall be substituted for by similar rights covering the stock of the successor or survivor corporation, or a parent or subsidiary thereof, with appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and prices;
(c) To make adjustments in the number and type of Shares (or other securities or property) subject to outstanding rights to purchase Shares granted under this Plan and/or in the terms and conditions of outstanding rights and rights that may be granted under this Plan in the future;
(d) To provide that Participants’ accumulated payroll deductions may be used to purchase Shares prior to the next occurring Purchase Date on such date as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion, and the Participants’ rights under the ongoing Offering Period(s) shall be terminated as of such prior purchase date; and/or
(e) To provide that all outstanding rights to purchase Shares granted under this Plan shall terminate without being exercised.
8.3 No Adjustment Under Certain Circumstances. No adjustment or action described in this Article VIII or in any other provision of this Plan shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment or action would cause the Section 423 Component of this Plan to fail to satisfy the requirements of Section 423 of the Code.
8.4 No Other Rights. Except as expressly provided in this Plan, no Participant shall have any rights by reason of any subdivision or consolidation of shares of stock of any class, the payment of any dividend, any increase or decrease in the number of shares of stock of any class or any dissolution, liquidation, merger, or consolidation of the Company or any other corporation. Except as expressly provided in this Plan or pursuant to action of the Administrator under this Plan, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number of Shares subject to outstanding rights under this Plan or the Purchase Price with respect to any outstanding rights.
ARTICLE IX.
AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION
9.1 Amendment, Modification, and Termination. The Administrator may amend, suspend, or terminate this Plan at any time and from time to time; provided, however, that approval of the Company’s stockholders shall be required to amend this Plan to: (a) increase the aggregate number, or change the type, of Shares that may be sold pursuant to rights granted under this Plan under Section 3.1 (other than an adjustment as provided by Article VIII); or (b) change this Plan in any manner that would be considered the adoption of a new plan within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.423-2(c)(4).
9.2 Certain Changes to Plan. Without stockholder consent and without regard to whether any Participant rights may be considered to have been adversely affected, subject to Section 9.1 and, solely with respect to the Section 423 Component of this Plan, to the extent permitted by Section 423 of the Code, the Administrator shall be entitled to change or terminate the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld from Compensation during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a Participant to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of payroll withholding elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participant’s Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Administrator determines in its sole discretion to be advisable that are consistent with this Plan.
9.3 Actions In the Event of Unfavorable Financial Accounting Consequences. If the Administrator determines that the ongoing operation of this Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Administrator may, in its sole discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify or amend this Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:
(a) altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;
(b) shortening any Offering Period so that the Offering Period ends on a new Purchase Date, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the Administrator action; and
(c) allocating Shares.
Such modifications or amendments shall not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Participant.
9.4 Termination of Plan. Upon termination of this Plan, the balance in each Participant’s Plan account shall be refunded as soon as practicable after such termination, without any interest thereon. Additionally, the Administrator may, in its discretion, shorten the current Offering Period such that the Purchase Date for such Offering Period occurs prior to the termination of the Plan.
ARTICLE X.
TERM OF PLAN
This Plan shall be effective on the Effective Date, subject to approval of this Plan by the stockholders of the Company within 12 months before or after the Effective Date. No rights may be granted under this Plan prior to stockholder approval of this Plan. No rights may be granted under this Plan during any period of suspension of this Plan or after termination of this Plan. No rights may be granted under this Plan at any time following the 10th anniversary of the Effective Date.
ARTICLE XI.
ADMINISTRATION
11.1 Administrator. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Administrator of this Plan shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board (or another committee or a subcommittee of the Board to which the Board delegates administration of this Plan) (such committee, the “Committee”). The Board may at any time vest in the Board any authority or duties for administration of this Plan. The Administrator may delegate administrative tasks under this Plan to the services of a brokerage firm, bank, or other financial institution or Employees to assist in the administration of this Plan, including establishing and maintaining an individual securities account under this Plan for each Participant.
11.2 Authority of Administrator. The Administrator shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations of, the express provisions of this Plan:
(a) To determine when and how rights to purchase Shares shall be granted and the provisions of each offering of such rights (which need not be identical);
(b) To designate from time to time which Subsidiaries of the Company shall be Designated Subsidiaries, which designation may be made without the approval of the stockholders of the Company and which such designation shall specify whether the participation is in the Section 423 Component or the Non-Section 423 Component;
(c) To impose a mandatory holding period pursuant to which Employees may not dispose of or transfer Shares purchased under this Plan for a period of time determined by the Administrator in its discretion;
(d) To construe and interpret this Plan and any rights granted under it, and to establish, amend, and revoke rules and regulations for its administration, and the Administrator, in the exercise of this power, may correct any defect, omission, or inconsistency in this Plan or any Offering in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to administer the Plan, subject to Section 423 of the Code for the Section 423 Component;
(e) To amend, suspend, or terminate this Plan as provided in Article IX; and
(f) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Administrator deems necessary or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries and to carry out the intent that the Section 423 Component of this Plan be treated as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code.
11.3 Decisions Binding. The Administrator’s interpretation of this Plan, any rights granted pursuant to this Plan, any subscription agreement and all decisions and determinations by the Administrator with respect to this Plan are final, binding, and conclusive on all parties.
ARTICLE XII.
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1 Restriction upon Assignment. A right granted under this Plan shall not be transferable other than by will or the Applicable Laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant. Except as provided in Section 12.4, a right under this Plan may not be exercised to any extent except by the Participant. The Company shall not recognize and shall be under no duty to recognize any assignment or alienation of the Participant’s interest in this Plan, the Participant’s rights under this Plan, or any rights thereunder.
12.2 Rights as a Stockholder. With respect to Shares subject to a right granted under this Plan, a Participant shall not be deemed to be a stockholder of the Company, and the Participant shall not have any of the rights or privileges of a stockholder, until such Shares have been issued to the Participant or the Participant’s nominee following exercise of the Participant’s rights under this Plan. No adjustments shall be made for dividends (ordinary or extraordinary, whether in cash securities, or other property) or distribution or other rights for which the record date occurs prior to the date of such issuance, except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as determined by the Administrator.
12.3 Interest. No interest shall accrue on the payroll deductions or contributions of a Participant under this Plan.
12.4 Designation of Beneficiary.
(a) A Participant may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any Shares and/or cash, if any, from the Participant’s account under this Plan in the event of such Participant’s death subsequent to a Purchase Date on which the Participant’s rights are exercised but prior to delivery to such Participant of such Shares and cash. In addition, a Participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the Participant’s account under this Plan in the event of such Participant’s death prior to exercise of the Participant’s rights under this Plan. If the Participant is married and resides in a community property state, a designation of a person other than the Participant’s spouse as the Participant’s beneficiary shall not be effective without the prior written consent of the Participant’s spouse.
(b) Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Participant at any time by written notice to the Company. In the event of the death of a Participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under this Plan who is living at the time of such Participant’s death, the Company shall deliver such Shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such Shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the Participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.
12.5 Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with this Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.
12.6 Equal Rights and Privileges. Subject to Section 5.7, all Eligible Employees will have equal rights and privileges under the Section 423 Component of this Plan so that the Section 423 Component of this Plan qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 of the Code. Subject to Section 5.7, any provision of the Section 423 Component of this Plan that is inconsistent with Section 423 of the Code will, without further act or amendment by the Company, the Board or the Administrator, be reformed to comply with the equal rights and privileges requirement of Section 423 of the Code. Eligible Employees participating in the Non-Section 423 Component need not have the same rights and privileges as other Eligible Employees participating in the Non-Section 423 Component or as Eligible Employees participating in the Section 423 Component.
12.7 Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under this Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.
12.8 Reports. Statements of account shall be given to Participants at least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of Shares purchased, and the remaining cash balance, if any.
12.9 No Employment Rights. Nothing in this Plan shall be construed to give any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) the right to employment with (or to remain in the employ of) the Company or any Subsidiary thereof or affect the right of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof to terminate the employment of any person (including any Eligible Employee or Participant) at any time, with or without cause.
12.10. Conformity to Securities Laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Plan and the participation in the Plan by any individual who is then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act shall be subject to any additional limitations set forth in any applicable exemption rule under Section 16 of the Exchange Act (including any amendment to Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act) that are requirements for the application of such exemptive rule. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Plan shall be deemed amended to the extent necessary to conform to such applicable exemptive rule.
12.11 Section 409A. The Section 423 Component of the Plan and the rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to Offerings thereunder are intended to be exempt from the application of Section 409A. Neither the Non-Section 423 Component nor any rights to purchase Shares granted pursuant to an Offering thereunder are intended to constitute or provide for “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Section 409A. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, if the Administrator determines that any right to purchase Shares granted under the Plan may be or become subject to Section 409A or that any provision of the Plan may cause a right to purchase Shares granted under the Plan to be or become subject to Section 409A, the Administrator may adopt such amendments to the Plan and/or adopt other policies and procedures (including amendments, policies and procedures with retroactive effect), or take any other actions as the Administrator determines are necessary or appropriate to avoid the imposition of taxes under Section 409A, either through compliance with the requirements of Section 409A or with an available exemption therefrom.
12.12 Notice of Disposition of Shares. Each Participant shall give prompt notice to the Company of any disposition or other transfer of any Shares purchased upon exercise of a right under the Section 423 Component of this Plan if such disposition or transfer is made: (a) within two years following the Enrollment Date of the Offering Period in which the Shares were purchased or (b) within one year after the Purchase Date on which such Shares were purchased. Such notice shall specify the date of such disposition or other transfer and the amount realized, in cash, other property, assumption of indebtedness or other consideration, by the Participant in such disposition or other transfer.
12.13 Governing Law. This Plan and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without reference to principles of conflict of laws.
12.14 Electronic Forms. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law and in the discretion of the Administrator, an Eligible Employee may submit any form or notice as set forth herein by means of an electronic form approved by the Administrator. Before the commencement of an Offering Period, the Administrator shall prescribe the time limits within which any such electronic form shall be submitted to the Administrator with respect to such Offering Period to be a valid election.